Ghana is mourning the death of Sulemana AbdulSamed, widely known as the country’s tallest man, whose passing has sparked an outpouring of grief, particularly in northern Ghana where he was celebrated as a local icon.
Sulemana, popularly known as Awuche, died on Monday at the age of 33 while receiving treatment at the Tamale Teaching Hospital after sores of his legs became infected.
Although doctors had earlier indicated he was responding positively to treatment, his condition suddenly deteriorated.
A family member, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, said the news has devastated both the family and the Gambaga community, with many people visiting to pay their last respects and learn what happened.
“Everyone knew him for his kindness and generosity. Since his passing, many people have continued to visit the family to understand what happened”, Kudus said.
Sulemana was diagnosed with gigantism in his twenties and stood about 7 feet 4 inches (223 centimeters). He also lived with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissues and contributed to his unusually long limbs and other health complications.
Although the infected leg sores were not directly caused by Marfan syndrome, his family believes they were linked to complications arising from the condition.
In recent months, businessman Ibrahim Mahama, brother of Ghanaian President John Mahama, has offered to cover Sulemana’s medical expenses at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
According to his family, doctors had reported that he was making progress before his health unexpectedly worsened.
Kudus described the loss as painful shock, saying Sulemana brought national recognized to Gambaga by proudly identifying with his hometown wherever he went.
Sulemana’s extraordinary growth began at the age of 22 while working at a butcher’s shop in Accra. He first noticed his tongue had enlarged, making it difficult to breathe, before other parts of his body also began growing abnormally. Medical tests later confirmed he had Marfan syndrome.
His condition force him to abandon his dream of becoming a professional driver and return to Gambaga about nine years ago. It also limited his mobility and prevented him from continuing activities he once enjoyed, including playing football.
Despite the challenges, Sulemana remained optimistic and embraced the attention his remarkable height brought him, becoming a symbol of resilience and inspiration to many Ghanaians.
The family announced that Sulemana will be buried in Tamale instead of his hometown of Gambaga, saying the village would not be able to accommodate the large number of mourners expected to attend his final farewell. The decision was taken to allow relatives, friends, admirers and members of the public to pay their last respects to the late national icon.
-9News Nigeria.
