Dr. Abubakari Sidick Ahmed, a veteran journalist and former Station Manager of Radio Univers, has passed away at the age of 63.
The news was confirmed by his wife, Naziha Alhassan, who said he died on Monday, February 16, 2026, at around 10:15 a.m. at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, where he had been receiving treatment.
Widely known as Alhaji, Dr. Ahmed devoted more than three decades to Radio Univers, beginning as a student reporter and rising through the ranks to lead the campus-based station. He holds the distinction of being the longest-serving staff member in its history, leaving an indelible mark on both the station and Ghana’s media landscape.
During his tenure, Alhaji was celebrated for his discipline, mentorship, and commitment to excellence in broadcasting. He trained and inspired generations of journalists, many of whom now work in leading media houses in Ghana and internationally. Even after stepping down from active management last year, he remained a guiding presence at Radio Univers, offering institutional memory, advice, and support to young broadcasters.
In 2025, Radio Univers alumni organized a special dinner to honor Alhaji’s decades of service, bringing together prominent academics, Supreme Court Justice Henrietta Joy Abena Nyarko Mensa-Bonsu, colleagues, and former trainees. As the host of Behind the Headlines, a news review program, he championed analytical journalism and fostered a culture of ethical reporting.
Alhaji’s pioneering leadership modernized Radio Univers, introducing new programs, upgrading studios, and expanding its global reach. He also earned numerous accolades, including the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award and the National Award of the Order of the Volta – Civil Division.
Dr. Abubakari Sidick Ahmed will be buried in accordance with Islamic tradition, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, professionalism, and a stronger, more vibrant Radio Univers.
