Abdul-Samed Sulemana, popularly known as Awuche, who was believed to be Ghana’s tallest man, has died.
Awuche reportedly died in the early hours of Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Tamale Teaching Hospital in the Northern Region.
His death has brought sadness to his family and many people who had followed his story and supported his call for help during his difficult health condition.
The 33-year-old had reportedly been battling health problems linked to gigantism, a condition that causes a person’s body to grow much larger and taller than normal.
Death Comes Weeks After Medical Support Was Promised
Awuche’s death came only a few weeks after businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama promised to pay all his medical bills.
The support came after Awuche appealed for help because his health condition had become serious and he needed urgent medical treatment.
Following the appeal, Ibrahim Mahama offered to cover the cost of his treatment and surgery.
The support was announced at a time when Awuche’s health was reportedly getting worse due to complications linked to gigantism.
Because of the seriousness of his condition, doctors reportedly transferred him from the Baptist Medical Centre (BMC) in Nalerigu to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), where he could receive further treatment.
Ibrahim Mahama Offers to Pay Medical Bills
In an earlier Facebook post, Rafik Mahama, an aide to Ibrahim Mahama, confirmed that the businessman had decided to support Awuche.
Rafik Mahama said he had contacted Awuche and his family on behalf of Ibrahim Mahama to assure them that they would receive support during the difficult period.
“On behalf of Mr Ibrahim Mahama, I have reached out to Awuche and his family to assure them of our full support during this challenging time,” he earlier wrote.
Rafik Mahama also explained that Ibrahim Mahama had agreed to pay the full cost of Awuche’s medical care.
“Mr Ibrahim Mahama has pledged to fully cover Awuche’s hospital bills, including the costs of his medical treatment and surgery,” he added.
The announcement brought hope to Awuche and his family at a time when they were struggling to find the money needed for his treatment.
Awuche Transferred to Tamale Teaching Hospital
Rafik Mahama also said arrangements had been made to move Awuche to the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
According to him, the plan was for Awuche to be taken to the hospital on Tuesday, July 8, 2026. Awuche arrived safely at the Tamale Teaching Hospital and began receiving the medical care he needed.
However, despite the support and medical treatment, his health condition continued to be serious.
Doctors Reportedly Recommended Leg Amputation
According to Awuche’s family, doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital later said his left leg had to be amputated. The family said the recommendation came after a serious infection affected the leg and caused part of it to rot.
The condition was reportedly linked to the health problems Awuche had been experiencing. The decision to amputate the leg was part of efforts to deal with the serious infection and protect his health.
Despite the medical attention he received, Awuche reportedly died in the early hours of Monday, July 27.
Awuche Was Known for His Extraordinary Height
Awuche was from Gambaga in the North East Region of Ghana. At 33 years old, he was believed to be Ghana’s tallest man.
He was reported to stand at about 7 feet 8 inches tall, making him much taller than the average person. His unusual height made him known to many people across Ghana, and his story attracted attention from different parts of the country.
A Long Battle With Gigantism
Awuche had reportedly lived with gigantism for several years.
Gigantism is a rare medical condition that can cause a person to grow to an unusually large height. It usually happens when the body produces too much growth hormone while a person is still growing.
For Awuche, the condition reportedly affected his health over the years.
However, he was unable to receive the special medical care he needed because he did not have enough money to pay for the treatment.
His condition eventually became more serious, leading to the need for urgent medical attention.
His Appeal for Help Attracted Public Attention
Awuche’s story received widespread attention after it became known that he needed urgent surgery.
His appeal for help was aimed at getting the medical treatment needed to save his life.
The call for support attracted public attention and eventually led to Ibrahim Mahama offering to pay his medical bills.
The businessman pledged to cover the cost of his hospital treatment and surgery, giving Awuche and his family hope during a difficult period.
Unfortunately, Awuche died only weeks after the support was announced.
Family and Supporters Mourn His Death
The death of Awuche is expected to be a painful moment for his family and the people who had followed his story.
His life and health struggles brought attention to the challenges faced by people living with rare medical conditions who may not have enough money to access specialised treatment.
His story also highlighted the importance of early medical care and support for people dealing with serious health conditions.
Awuche’s death at the age of 33 has therefore left many people saddened, especially those who had hoped that the medical support he received would help improve his condition.
He will be remembered by many as a man whose extraordinary height made him well known across Ghana, but whose life was also marked by a long struggle with gigantism and serious health complications.
His death brings an end to the life of a man who had become known as Ghana’s tallest man and whose final weeks drew public attention to the need for urgent medical support for people facing serious health challenges.
