The media community is in mourning following the death of Dr. Abubakari Sidick Ahmed, affectionately known as Alhaji, the former Station Manager of Ra
The media community is in mourning following the death of Dr. Abubakari Sidick Ahmed, affectionately known as Alhaji, the former Station Manager of Radio Univers, who passed away at the age of 63.
His widow, Naziha Alhassan, confirmed that Alhaji died at around 10:15 a.m. at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, on Monday where he had been receiving treatment in recent days.
Alhaji’s career spanned over three decades, beginning as a student volunteer at Radio Univers, the University of Ghana’s non-commercial campus-based radio station.
His commitment and vision saw him rise through the ranks to become Station Manager, making him the longest-serving staff member in the station’s history.
His tenure was distinguished by mentorship, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, establishing Radio Univers as a premier training ground for Ghanaian broadcasters.
During his career, Alhaji played a transformative role in Ghana’s media landscape, guiding generations of journalists who have gone on to achieve national and international prominence.
He hosted Behind the Headlines, a widely followed news review and analysis program, and introduced several innovative programs, including Interrogating Africa, Research & Innovation Agenda, and Knowledge Café, which bridged the gap between academia and public discourse.
In June 2025, just two days after his birthday, Radio Univers alumni held a memorable dinner in his honor, celebrating his decades of service.
The event drew prominent figures from academia and the media, including Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah, Emeritus Prof. Kwesi Yankah, Prof. Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe, Prof. Kwame Karikari, Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo, and Supreme Court Justice Prof Henrietta Joy Abena Nyarko Mensa-Bonsu.
Even after stepping down from active management, Alhaji remained a guiding figure, providing mentorship and institutional memory to young broadcasters navigating the profession.
Alhaji’s leadership extended beyond station management. He modernized Radio Univers by spearheading studio renovations, establishing a television studio, and introducing online streaming and social media presence, ensuring that the station remained relevant in an evolving media environment.
Under his mentorship, numerous trainees secured positions at leading media houses such as TV3, Joy FM/JoyNews, Citi FM, as well as international outlets including Voice of America and Deutsche Welle.
Throughout his career, Alhaji was recognized for his dedication to ethical journalism and professional excellence.
He received the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award in 2000 and was honored with the National Award of the Order of the Volta – Civil Division by Former President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2001.
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