Ghana’s media space has lost one of its most respected figures. Dr. Abubakari Sidick Ahmed, affectionately known as Alhaji and the longest-serving Station Manager of Radio Univers, has passed on.
Alhaji died on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. at the University of Ghana Medical Centre after a short illness.
Since news of his passing broke, tributes have poured in from colleagues, former students, media personalities and institutions.
Many are remembering not just a broadcaster, but a mentor and leader who gave his life to building others.
Alhaji’s journey began as a student volunteer at Radio Univers. Over three decades, he rose through the ranks to become the station’s longest-serving manager.
In that time, he shaped the station and helped train many journalists who now work in newsrooms across Ghana and beyond.
A mentor who built people
Many tributes highlight his role as a teacher and guide. Veteran broadcaster Bernard Avle said Alhaji “discovered, trained and mentored” many professionals who now lead newsrooms and anchor major programmes. His influence can be seen in the strength of Ghana’s media today.
Award-winning journalist and Bank of Ghana staff member Paa Kwesi Asare also shared his story on Campus Exclusive on Radio Univers. He said he admired Alhaji long before joining the station. Growing up, he listened closely to Behind the Headlines, Alhaji’s flagship current affairs programme.
“I was quite interested in news and current affairs, and I used to listen to Behind the Headlines a lot,” Asare said.
He added that his mother, who loved the programme, introduced him to Alhaji’s work. Although he later met him after school, Asare said he regrets not having the chance to work directly under him.
Commitment to excellence and ethics
Under Alhaji’s leadership, Radio Univers became more than a campus radio station. It became a training ground for disciplined and ethical journalism. Programmes like Behind the Headlines, Interrogating Africa and Knowledge Café became known for serious discussions and strong editorial standards.
Colleagues and former students say these programmes helped shape their thinking and raised the standard of conversations on radio.
Ghanaian media personality and CEO of EIB Network Group, Nathan Kwabena Anokye Adisi, popularly known as Bola Ray, described Alhaji as “a mentor, a disciplinarian, a builder of talent and a pillar at Radio Univers for over three decades.”
In his tribute, Bola Ray wrote that Alhaji was not just a broadcaster but someone who built people and lived the values of journalism every day.
Humility and Service
Despite his achievements, those who knew Alhaji say he was humble and approachable. He did not seek attention for himself. Instead, he focused on helping young journalists grow.
In June 2025, Radio Univers held a special event to honour his leadership. At the ceremony, Alhaji spoke about the importance of mentorship, innovation and ethical practice. These were not just words to him; they were values he lived by.
Lessons from his life
Alhaji’s life teaches important lessons :
First, mentorship matters. He invested time and energy in people, helping them discover their strengths and build confidence.
Second, excellence takes consistency. His commitment to quality and discipline helped Radio Univers earn respect over the years.
Third, patience is key. His journey from student volunteer to station manager shows that real impact takes time.
Finally, leadership is about service. Alhhaji led by serving others and putting their growth first.
A legacy that lives on
As tributes continue across radio, television and social media, one thing is clear: Alhaji’s impact will not fade.
His legacy lives on in the journalists he trained, the standards he set and the many lives he touched. He will be remembered not only as a Station Manager, but as a mentor, a visionary and a man who believed in building people.
His life remains a powerful reminder that service, integrity and dedication can leave a mark that lasts far beyond one lifetime.
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Story by Erica Odeenyin Odoom | univers.ug.edu.gh
