The death of Sulemana Abdul Samed, popularly known as Awuche, has left many Ghanaians reflecting on the extraordinary life of the man who became known as the country’s tallest person.

Here are some lesser-known facts about his life, health journey and legacy.

1. His real name wasn’t Awuche: His birth name was Sulemana Abdul Samed. “Awuche” was a popular Hausa nickname that roughly translates to “Let’s go,” a name that eventually became synonymous with him.
   
2. He was from Ghana’s North East Region Awuche hailed from Gambaga in the North East Region, where he lived most of his life before becoming a national sensation.
   
3. He wasn’t born unusually tall: Unlike many people assume, Awuche had an average height growing up. His abnormal growth only began in his early twenties after developing a rare medical condition.
   
4. A swollen tongue changed his life forever: Around 2015, at about 21 years old, he woke up with a severely swollen tongue that made breathing difficult. After receiving treatment, he began experiencing rapid growth, with his height increasing every few months.
   
5. He was diagnosed with acromegaly: Doctors later diagnosed him with acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder caused by excessive production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. The condition led to gigantism and several life-threatening complications.
   
6. He was once mistakenly measured at 9 feet 6 inches: A rural clinic initially measured him at 9 feet 6 inches, sparking claims he could be the world’s tallest man. The measurement later proved inaccurate because the facility lacked the proper equipment.
   
7. The BBC confirmed his actual height: A BBC journalist later measured him using a standard 16-foot measuring tape, confirming his height at approximately 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 metres), making him Ghana’s tallest known man.
   
8. He lived a simple life despite his fame: Before becoming widely known, Awuche worked as a farmer and mechanic, earning a living like many young men in his community.
   
9. His height came with painful health challenges: Beyond his towering stature, Awuche battled severe spinal curvature, chronic joint pain, mobility difficulties and a persistent skin condition on his leg.
   
10. He couldn’t wear regular clothes or shoes: Finding clothing that fit his 7-foot-4-inch frame was a constant challenge. Standard footwear was impossible to find, forcing local artisans to custom-make his shoes, sometimes using old car tyres to accommodate his unusually large feet.
    
11. Travelling was a major challenge: Because of his height, Awuche could neither drive nor comfortably sit in most conventional vehicles. His knees often pressed against steering wheels and dashboards, meaning he frequently required specially arranged transportation whenever he travelled.
    
12. He used his fame to educate others: Beyond the viral videos and public attention, Awuche consistently used interviews and media appearances to raise awareness about acromegaly and gigantism. He spoke openly about his condition, hoping to educate the public, dispel myths surrounding endocrine disorders and encourage compassion toward people living with rare medical conditions
    
13. He faced amputation one of his legs due to complications from his condition. He was transferred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for specialist care, under the sponsorship of philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama.
    
14. Awuche passed away at the Tamale Teaching Hospital on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the age of 33 after a prolonged illness.