“Tarsicius, go and host the show!”
Those were the words Alhaji used to push me into the deep end — making me the alternate host of Behind the Headlines.
My days at Radio Univers were anything but rosy. I began my volunteering journey with high hopes of sharpening my communication skills and becoming an exceptional interviewer. I dreamed of following in the footsteps of my role models, Komla Dumor and Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who had both hosted the Joy FM Morning Show at different times.
But the path was not easy. I faced several challenges, particularly from some senior volunteers who openly showed their disdain for me and did what they could to stall my growth in journalism. It was during this period that I was assigned to produce Behind the Headlines, the station’s flagship current affairs programme, hosted by Alhaji himself.
The show had a massive following. You could tell from the number of callers who flooded the lines whenever the phones were opened. Producing the programme became a badge of honour for me. I had the privilege of working with an incredible team at Radio Univers — Prince Amartey (Tozzy), Godwin Honu, Philip Asiawo, Emefa Nancy Dzradosi, Razak Mounkaila, Stephanie Akrumah, and many others.
Our work as producers was demanding. We combed through the newspapers every day, identifying stories worthy of national discussion and reaching out to the appropriate resource persons to speak on them.
Then one day, something happened that changed my life.
We had completed all preparations for the show and were waiting for Alhaji to take his seat as host. I walked into his office to inform him that we were ready. Before I could finish speaking, he said firmly:
“Tarsicius, go and host the show. I will join as a panelist.”
I was stunned.
I tried to convince him that I was not ready. After all, Behind the Headlines had always been hosted by experienced broadcasters. But Alhaji would not budge. A novice like me was suddenly being asked to fill the oversized shoes of the programme’s respected host.
With trembling confidence, I stepped into the studio and did the best I could.
To my surprise, the response was overwhelming. The audience loved it, and Alhaji himself was full of praise. From that day on, there was no turning back. In many ways, Alhaji handed the show over to me and graciously stepped back to become a regular panelist.
What began as mentorship soon grew into something deeper.
When my National Service ended in September 2015, our professional relationship had already evolved into a father-son bond. Alhaji supported me in countless ways.
In 2019, when I launched my first book, Small Business Bible, I invited Alhaji as a special guest, with Captain Budu Koomson (Rtd.) serving as Chairman. During the auction, Captain Koomson purchased the first copy at a premium price. To my amazement, Alhaji picked up the second copy and offered to match the same amount.
I was deeply moved.
That gesture was just one of many ways Alhaji invested in my growth and encouraged me to become the man I am today — and still becoming.
Now that you are gone, I feel the loss not just of a former boss, but of a father figure who guided my professional journey with wisdom, kindness, and quiet generosity.
I will miss your birthdays.
I will miss your calm counsel.
I will miss your steady encouragement.
I will miss your warm smile and your jovial remarks.
May Allah grant you Jannah.
Rest well, Alhaji.
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Tribute by Tarsicius Edem Dorpenyo
Entrepreneur | Marketing Consultant
