Ghana's tallest man Sulemana Abdul Samed dies at 33

Ghana is mourning the death of Sulemana Abdul Samed, widely regarded as the country’s tallest man, who died on July 27 at age 33. He passed away at Tamale Teaching Hospital in northern Ghana after his condition worsened from an infection stemming from sores on his legs.

The 7-foot-4-inch man, affectionately known by the nickname Awuche, meaning “Let’s Go” in Hausa, had become a national figure and a symbol of resilience. His extraordinary height was linked to Marfan syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects connective tissue and causes unusually long limbs. The condition led to years of health complications that altered the course of his life.

According to family members, Samed had been admitted to the hospital after the infected wounds deteriorated. Although he initially showed signs of improvement, his health unexpectedly declined. A relative, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, said the family was devastated, noting that Samed had been known for his generosity and kindness.

Samed’s rapid growth began in his early twenties while he was working at a butcher’s shop in Accra. He recalled that one of the first signs was an enlargement of his tongue that made breathing difficult, followed by...