'I wish I had died first' – Mother mourns late Radio Univers manager, Alhaji

Mother of the late former Radio Univers Station Manager, Dr Abubakari Sidick Ahmed, popularly known as Alhaji, has shared her grief following the sudden demise of her son.

In an interview with GhanaWeb’s Joseph Henry Mensah on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the residence of the late Alhaji, she shared profound memories of the veteran journalist.

According to her, Alhaji was her everything. She described him as a respected man, her comforter, and someone who always did his best to attend to her needs, whether he was well or unwell.

“He was my everything. I don’t know why Alhaji has left me, but I know it is the will of God, and He is the one who has called him. Alhaji would respond to everyone’s call, whether he was sick or not. He always tried his best to solve our problems for us. My son is gone, and I will not see him again,” she said.

The grieving mother further expressed her wish to have died before her son.

“I wish I had died before him. Anytime he was going to the gym, he would come to me and wake me up because he wanted to greet me. He would ask if I had taken my medicine or eaten... I begged them to give me my son, but they said no and took him to the cemetery,” she added.

Dr Abubakari Sidick Ahmed, popularly known as ‘Alhaji’, passed away at the age of 63 in the early hours of Monday, February 16, 2026, after battling a brief illness.

Alhaji of Radio Univers is dead

He 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.

The late veteran media personality is survived by his wife, Naziha Alhassan. The couple had no children.

According to the family, a funeral ceremony will be held at his residence in Madina on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Alhaji's legacy:

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 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.

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.

Watch the video below:



JHM/EB