I have known Dr. Abubakari Sidick Ahmed, affectionately called Alhaji, for over a decade. Our initial encounter was firmly situated within the professional space of Ghana’s public discourse. He discovered me and generously hosted me on his widely respected programme, Behind the Headlines, on several occasions. What began as a conventional relationship between a radio host and a regular panellist gradually evolved—almost imperceptibly—into something far deeper, more intellectually engaging, and profoundly personal.
Over time, Alhaji became not only a trusted media colleague but also my academic advisor, intellectual confidant, and political associate. I frequently shared my ideas, reflections, and sometimes unformed arguments with him, and he never hesitated to offer thoughtful, incisive, and often transformative suggestions. His feedback was always grounded in rigorous reasoning, enriched by lived experience, and delivered with humility. In many ways, he exemplified the rare scholar–public intellectual who could seamlessly navigate theory, policy, and everyday realities.
Following the 2023 World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings, we engaged in one of our many extensive conversations on Ghana’s development trajectory. From this dialogue emerged a shared conviction that ignorance—more than the scarcity of resources—remains Ghana’s most fundamental developmental challenge. In response, we conceived the idea of a platform we intended to call the “Knowledge Café.” This initiative was designed to provide a structured space for experts across disciplines to engage the public, share deep insights, and cultivate a culture of critical thinking and informed citizenship. It was a vision born out of our mutual belief that ideas, when democratically circulated, possess transformative power.
Our final meeting remains vividly etched in my memory. Alhaji invited me to join a discussion with some political associates at Madina Zongo. Though it was a Sunday, I felt compelled to honour the invitation and stopped by on my way from church. As was always the case, our conversations were rich and wide-ranging—touching on politics, governance, education, and the future of Ghana. We made concrete plans and agreed to meet again soon to begin executing some of our shared initiatives. Little did I know that this would be our last meeting in the physical world.
When news of his passing reached me, it took several days for the reality to sink in—that my friend and brother had truly departed. The sense of loss was profound—not merely because Ghana had lost a brilliant mind, but because I had lost someone whose presence continually sharpened my thinking and lifted my spirit.
Alhaji was kind, respectful, humble, and deeply knowledgeable. His intellectual depth was matched only by his generosity of spirit. He touched countless lives—students, colleagues, listeners, and community members—often in quiet, unpublicised ways. His legacy is not confined to broadcast studios or academic exchanges; it lives on in the minds he enlightened and the confidence he instilled in others.
May his memory continue to dwell among us, inspire us, and challenge us to pursue truth with courage and humility.
Fare thee well, Alhaji!
Damirifa due!!
Da yie, me nua!!!
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Tribute by Dr. George Domfe
