Born with endocrine disorder known as acromegaly, which is caused by an excess of growth hormone in the body, Sulemana Abdul Samed, also known as Awuche, now needs help for brain surgery to stop growing taller
Sulemana Abdul Samed, also known as Awuche (meaning ‘Let’s Go’ in the Hausa language), is the tallest man in Ghana. He was born in 1994 in the Northern Region of Ghana.
Abdul Samed was diagnosed with endocrine disorder acromegaly, which is caused by an excess of growth hormone in the body.
An investigation by a BBC reporter revealed that Samed was actually 7 feet 4 inches (223 cm), suggesting that the hospital at which he had been measured had made a “mistake” when other sources reported a larger height.
He has undergone treatment for his condition. Despite his unusual height, Abdul Samed has lived a relatively normal life, attending school and being employed as a farmer and a mechanic. He has stated that he hopes to marry and have children.
Abdul Samed has received media attention for his height, which he has used to raise awareness about acromegaly and the challenges faced by people who have the condition.
He said he was not surprised to hear he was taller, given he has never stopped growing – but it caused consternation for the staff, who were not prepared for such a scenario.
The duty nurse called out to her colleague, who in turn called out to another for help. Before long a group of nurses and health assistants gathered to solve the puzzle of determining his height.
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One suggested they find a pole and use it as an extension above their stick to measure his height – and this is how they arrived at their estimate.
For each hospital visit, he must still raise about $50 (£40).
His health problems eventually forced him to return to his home village six years ago and give up his dreams of becoming a driver.
“I was planning to go to driving school, but even when I shift the seat back, I can’t hold the steering wheel… I can’t stretch my leg because my knee will knock the wheel,” he said.
He is now living with his brother – and gets by after setting up a small business selling mobile phone credits.
Platforms Africa
