Awuche Dies at 33: Real Name, Height and Life Story

Sulemana Abdul Samed, the Ghanaian man widely known as Awuche, has died at the age of 33.

Awuche became a national celebrity because of his extraordinary height. He was often described as Ghana’s tallest man, but his story reached far beyond a number on a measuring tape.

He lived with serious health and mobility challenges, gave up his dream of becoming a professional driver and repeatedly needed help to pay for medical care. Through it all, relatives and neighbours remembered him as a generous, friendly man who was proud to represent Gambaga.

Awuche’s quick facts

What happened to Awuche?

Awuche died in the early hours of Monday, July 27, 2026, at Tamale Teaching Hospital in northern Ghana.

Graphic Online reported that a family source confirmed his death. He had first received care at the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu before being referred to Tamale for specialised treatment.

The BBC, in a report syndicated by The Star, said he was admitted after sores on his legs became infected. A relative, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, said doctors had initially believed he was responding well, but his condition later worsened.

His death prompted tributes across Ghana, particularly in the north, where he had become a familiar and much-loved public figure.

What was Awuche’s cause of death?