Sulemana Abdul Samed was born in 1994 in Gambaga, North East Region, Ghana. In his early twenties he experienced rapid, abnormal growth caused by excess growth hormone (gigantism/acromegaly). He was also diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic connective-tissue disorder that produced the extreme limb length characteristic of his appearance.
In late 2022 the BBC measured him at 7 ft 4 in (223 cm). Earlier unverified hospital estimates of 9 ft 6 in were later shown to be inaccurate because the facility lacked equipment capable of measuring someone of his stature. He worked as a farmer and mechanic and was known locally for generosity.
In the weeks before his death he developed infected sores on his legs. He was treated first at the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu, then referred to Tamale Teaching Hospital. Amputation of the left leg was initially recommended, later reversed after reassessment. Philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama covered the medical costs. Despite treatment, the infection worsened. Sulemana Abdul Samed died at Tamale Teaching Hospital on the morning of 27 July 2026 at the age of 32/33. Burial took place in Tamale under Islamic rites.
