Farewell, Dr. Abubakari Sidick Ahmed, former Station Manager of Radio Univers 105.7 FM (University of Ghana, Legon), popularly known as Alhaji. We have lost a great one. A mighty oak has fallen. A doyen of Ghanaian media, you nurtured thousands of the finest minds in the field, and now you have gone to be with your Maker. At a time when private radio in Ghana was still finding its rhythm, you provided exceptional leadership.
In my early days at the University of Ghana, I conceived the idea of creating a computer radio programme. It had never been done before in Ghana, and in many parts of the world at that time. I was uncertain how such a programme would unfold or whether it would even find its footing. Yet, as a testament to your visionary leadership, you believed in the idea and helped us bring it to life. In those days, computers were largely unknown—you could count their number in the country—and analogue mobile phones were only just emerging. The goal was to use radio as a powerful tool to educate, inform, and entertain audiences about computers.
Together, we launched Ghana’s first computer radio programme: Computer Link. It was uncharted territory—a bold and risky venture in the early days of technological evolution—yet profoundly innovative. After finishing university, I continued running the programme for a few more years, returning to campus weekly. Over time, however, I could no longer continue presenting it. Significantly, you shepherded this groundbreaking programme for many years, guiding it from a daring concept into a lasting legacy.
You have paid your dues. Ah, you have finished your race. It is too painful to know we will no longer draw directly from your deep wells of wisdom.
But your pen will not dry out; it lives on in the Radio Univers “babies” who have grown into leading lights in Ghanaian media and beyond.
Thank you for your service.
Requiescat in pace.
Requiem aeternam invenias apud Creatorem tuum.
—
Eulogy by Kwami Ahiabenu, PhD
