The General Manager of Radio Univers, Dr. Kwaku Botwe, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Dr. Abubakari Sidick Ahmed, affectionately known as Alhaji, describing him as a transformational leader whose legacy will continue to shape broadcasting and mentorship at the University of Ghana and beyond.
Dr. Ahmed, former Station Manager of Radio Univers, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
His passing came as a profound shock to the Radio Univers community, volunteers, colleagues, and the many professionals he mentored over decades.
Dr. Botwe delivered the remarks during the opening day of a three-day Islamic prayer (Duaa) held in memory of Dr. Ahmed on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at his residence in Madina, where family members, friends, university officials, media practitioners, and former colleagues gathered to celebrate a life of service.
According to Dr. Botwe, the impact of Alhaji’s leadership at Radio Univers was so significant that upon his departure, the station effectively required two managers to assume responsibilities he once carried alone.
“The shoes we had to step into were huge. Some volunteers still haven’t found their voices on air because his loss was so sudden, so deep,” he revealed.
Sharing a personal reflection, Dr. Botwe recounted how his own broadcasting journey began through Alhaji’s mentorship.
As a young student passionate about radio, he approached Dr. Ahmed, who encouraged him to design a programme around his academic background in Food Science.
After reviewing the proposal, Alhaji approved it instantly and asked him to begin the show that same week — an opportunity that would later shape his career in media leadership.
He described humility as Alhaji’s defining quality, emphasising his lasting influence:
“He did not just build a station; he built people who would take over. That is the hallmark of every great leader. Alhaji lives on in the volunteers, staff, and everyone he trained.”
Dr. Botwe further revealed that even after retirement, Dr. Ahmed remained actively involved with the station, offering guidance, accompanying management to regulatory meetings, and mentoring younger administrators as they navigated the complexities of university media management.
“He was always holding our hands, making sure we learned the job of management properly. That is a legacy that will never fade.”
Extending condolences to the bereaved family, Dr. Botwe expressed gratitude that Alhaji left behind a generation of capable professionals committed to sustaining his vision.
He also used the occasion to call on stakeholders, alumni, and public figures trained by Radio Univers to support the station financially, particularly to complete projects initiated by the late former manager.
“We need to continue the legacy. Alhaji started a TV station but couldn’t finish it. It is now our duty to see it through,” he said.
“May the legacy of Alhaji live forever through the lives he touched and the institution he built,” Dr. Botwe concluded.
Radio Univers continues to honour the memory of Dr. Abubakari Sidick Ahmed (Alhaji), whose voice, values, and vision remain deeply embedded in the station’s identity.
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Story by Holy Mavo | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
