The tallest man alive according to the current Guinness World Record is 8ft 2.8 inches tall and goes by the name Sultan Kosën. He lives in Turkey. Apparently, there is an emerging contender for his title who is fast growing in Gambaga, a town in northern Ghana.
29 year old Sulemana Abdul Samed also known as Awuche is 9ft 6in when he last visited the hospital for his usual check-up. At 22, he experienced an unusual sudden growth in all parts of his body. This sudden growth rate is attributed to a medical anomaly called ‘pituitary gigantism’.
Pituitary gigantism is a condition resulting from the over production of growth hormones, caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland. The growth hormone is released from the pituitary gland in the brain but when affected in anyway, it results in the release of too much or too less of the hormones.
Too much release of his hormones has resulted in other conditions; enlarged swollen feet, enlarged curved spine, large hands, thickening bones, painful joints and a genetic disorder affecting the body’s connective tissue known as Marfan Syndrome.
While this can only be corrected through a surgical procedure in his brain, he at the moment relies on monthly hospital appointments to help deal with the complications.
Operating a mobile money business alongside owning a tricycle popularly known as ‘keke’ helps support his livelihood in Gambaga, including the extra expenses of having custom built items and clothes made just for him.
Awuche’s condition impedes his desire to play football as a winger but enjoys the attention he receives from people because of his height. A human walking tourist of attraction. Many love to take photos with him.
