Veteran Broadcaster Alhaji of UG's Radio Univers Dies at 63

Dr Abubakari Sidick Ahmed, former Station Manager of Radio Univers, has passed away at the age of 63.

Popularly known as Alhaji, he died on Monday, February 16, 2026. The news was confirmed by his widow, Naziha Alhassan.

Speaking to Radio Univers, Naziha said Alhaji died at about 10:15 a.m. at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, where he had been receiving treatment over the past few days.

For more than three decades, Alhaji dedicated his life to Radio Univers — beginning as a student journalist and rising through the ranks to become Station Manager of the University of Ghana’s non-commercial, campus-based radio station. He holds the distinction of being the longest-serving staff member in the station’s history.

His tenure was marked by discipline, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence in campus broadcasting. Beyond the confines of the university, his impact resonated across Ghana’s media landscape, where he trained and inspired generations of journalists who have gone on to distinguish themselves nationally and internationally.

In what would become a touching and symbolic farewell, Radio Univers alumni organised a befitting dinner in his honour on June 6, 2025 — just two days after his birthday — to celebrate his decades of service.

The event brought together prominent personalities, including Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah, Emeritus Prof. Kwesi Yankah, Prof. Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe, Prof. Kwame Karikari, Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo, and Supreme Court Justice Henrietta Joy Abena Nyarko Mensa-Bonsu, alongside colleagues, alumni, and other dignitaries.

Though he formally exited active management last year, Alhaji remained a towering presence and moral compass within the Radio Univers community — ever ready with guidance, institutional memory, and a fatherly word for young broadcasters navigating the demands of the profession.

The former host of Behind the Headlines, a popular news review and analysis show, leaves behind a legacy defined not only by longevity, but by service, humility, and the many voices he helped shape.

He will be buried in accordance with Islamic traditions.

PROFILE OF ALHAJI

With a remarkable career spanning over 30 years in journalism, broadcast media, and media education, Alhaji stands as a towering figure in Ghana’s media landscape. A visionary leader, distinguished scholar, and dedicated mentor, Alhaji’s contributions to journalism and media training have left an indelible mark on generations of media practitioners in Ghana and beyond.

His journey began at Radio Univers, the campus-based radio station of the University of Ghana, where he started as a student volunteer reporter. Through sheer dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he rose through the ranks to become Producer, Editor, and ultimately, Station Manager — a position in which he transformed Radio Univers into one of the most respected training grounds for young broadcasters in West Africa.

As the only professionally trained broadcaster and media scholar at the station during his tenure, Alhaji played a pivotal role in shaping not only the station’s content and vision but also the educational framework that nurtured the next generation of journalists. His influence extends far beyond the campus, inspiring a wave of professional excellence across Ghana’s media space.

Leadership Qualities

Alhaji’s leadership style is anchored in visionary thinking, mentorship, and ethical journalism. He consistently advocated for innovation in journalism and broadcasting, positioning Radio Univers as a progressive platform that embraced new technologies and contemporary approaches to media practice. Deeply committed to nurturing young talents, he mentored countless students, guiding their professional growth and helping them build successful careers both locally and internationally.

His dedication to integrity and ethical standards stood out, as he championed responsible journalism and instilled high ethical values in his mentees, ensuring that Radio Univers became a beacon of trust and credibility. Alhaji fostered an environment of inclusivity, teamwork, and open communication, strengthening the station’s sense of community and enhancing the quality of output. His resilience and adaptability were evident as he navigated the evolving media landscape with grace, encouraging flexibility and innovation to meet emerging challenges while keeping Radio Univers vibrant and relevant.

By empowering students and staff through leadership opportunities within projects and editorial tasks, he cultivated independence, creativity, and confidence among budding broadcasters. Above all, Alhaji remained steadfast in his commitment to excellence, setting high standards for content creation, programming, and professionalism, ensuring that every project reflected a pursuit of quality and relevance.

Notable Achievements at Radio Univers

As Station Manager, Alhaji accomplished groundbreaking feats that elevated Radio Univers to national and international prominence. He successfully managed the semi-autonomous station despite persistent funding challenges, keeping it operational for over two decades without a single regulatory infraction.

He spearheaded the renovation and beautification of the radio studio and established a state-of-the-art television studio, equipping both with contemporary broadcast technologies. Under his leadership, the station experienced a sound and content revolution, significantly improving its output and solidifying its niche in academic broadcasting.

Through his tireless efforts in talent development, not less than seven Univers trainees secure jobs at leading media houses annually, including TV3 (Media General), Joy FM/JoyNews (Multimedia Group Limited), Citi FM (Omni Media Company Limited), and international platforms such as Voice of America and Deutsche Welle. Today, Univers alumni are among the finest journalists in the country.

Alhaji also enforced a comprehensive Code of Conduct, greatly enhancing professional standards in production, reporting, dress, and discipline, resulting in zero incidents of negative publicity. He expanded the station’s global reach by establishing social media handles, introducing online streaming, and significantly growing its global audience.

Programs such as Interrogating Africa, Behind the Headlines, Research & Innovation Agenda, and Knowledge Café were introduced under his leadership, bridging academia and society, promoting policy discourse, and fostering democratic participation. Alhaji also championed the promotion of Ghanaian cultural heritage, ensuring that Radio Univers became a platform for local music and languages amidst Western media dominance.

His pioneering work on Ghana’s first media review program earned the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana Award in 1999, a format that has since become a staple of morning shows nationwide.

Awards and Honors

Alhaji’s outstanding contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award from the University of Ghana in 2000, and the prestigious National Award of the Order of the Volta – Civil Division, conferred by His Excellency Former President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2001.

Academic Contributions and Thought Leadership

Beyond broadcasting, Alhaji made significant contributions to academia through research, publications, and conference presentations on journalism and media ethics. His scholarly impact has enriched media education across West Africa, particularly through his mentorship at Radio Univers since 1992.

Legacy

Dr. Abubakari Sidick Ahmed leaves behind a formidable legacy: a stronger Radio Univers, a new generation of ethical and skilled journalists, and a media industry profoundly shaped by his leadership, advocacy, and educational innovations.

PICTURES OF ALHAJI THROUGH THE YEARS