Ghana's tallest man spared leg amputation after Ibrahim Mahama's intervention

Ghana's tallest man, Abdul-Samed Sulemana, popularly known as Awuche, will no longer undergo the planned amputation of his left leg after doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital reassessed his condition, per an update shared by an aide to businessman Ibrahim Mahama.

The development comes just days after Ibrahim Mahama pledged to fully fund Awuche's treatment and the planned surgery after the 33-year-old appealed for financial support.

Awuche, who is believed to stand at 7ft 8in and has been battling gigantism for years, had been referred from the Nalerigu Baptist Medical Centre to the Tamale Teaching Hospital after doctors initially concluded that his infected left leg needed to be amputated to prevent the infection from spreading.

Following Ibrahim Mahama's intervention, arrangements were made for Awuche to travel from Gambaga to Tamale, where he was admitted for further medical care.

A fresh assessment by specialists at the referral hospital has now changed the course of his treatment.

Announcing the development in a Facebook post on Saturday, July 11, Ibrahim Mahama's aide, Rafik Mahama, said the businessman had engaged the management and medical team of the Tamale Teaching Hospital after Awuche's arrival.

"Following a detailed reassessment by the dedicated medical team at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, after a referral from the Nalerigu Baptist Medical Centre, Awuche's left leg will not undergo amputation as was earlier communicated to the family through the referral to the Tamale Teaching Hospital," his post read in part.

Rafik Mahama said Ibrahim Mahama remains committed to supporting Awuche throughout his treatment and will continue to bear the medical costs.

"On behalf of Mr Ibrahim Mahama, I wish to assure Awuche and his family of our continued support. Mr Ibrahim Mahama remains committed to assisting with his medical care and covering the necessary expenses related to his treatment," he noted.

He also expressed appreciation to Ghanaians for their concern and support, as well as the management and medical team at the Tamale Teaching Hospital for their care, and wished Awuche a successful treatment and speedy recovery.