General News of Monday, 27 July 2026

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ghana's tallest man is dead - Reports

Abdul-Samed Sulemana is popularly known as Awuche Abdul-Samed Sulemana is popularly known as Awuche

Abdul-Samed Sulemana, popularly known as Awuche, the man believed to be Ghana’s tallest, has passed away.

Reports indicate that he passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

His death comes weeks after businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama pledged to fully cover his medical expenses following an appeal for support to undergo urgent treatment.

The swift intervention came after Awuche’s health reportedly deteriorated due to complications from gigantism, prompting doctors to refer him from the Baptist Medical Centre (BMC) in Nalerigu to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).

According to his family, doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital recommended the amputation of his left leg after a severe infection caused part of the limb to rot.

Confirming the support in an earlier Facebook post, Ibrahim Mahama’s aide, Rafik Mahama, said he had contacted Awuche and his family on behalf of the businessman to assure them that all medical costs would be covered.

Ibrahim Mahama to pay hospital bills of Ghana's tallest man battling gigantism

“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.

“Mr Ibrahim Mahama has pledged to fully cover Awuche’s hospital bills, including the costs of his medical treatment and surgery,” he added.

Rafik Mahama further disclosed that arrangements had been made to transport Awuche to the Tamale Teaching Hospital on Tuesday, July 8, 2026, where he safely arrived and commenced the necessary medical procedures.

The 33-year-old Awuche, who hailed from Gambaga in the North East Region, was believed to be Ghana’s tallest man, standing at approximately 7 feet 8 inches.

Awuche had reportedly battled gigantism for several years but was unable to seek specialised medical care due to financial constraints.

His public appeal for assistance drew widespread attention after it emerged that he needed urgent surgery to save his life.