Radio Univers Launches 30th Anniversary Celebration

Radio Univers ,105.7fm, the University of Ghana’s campus radio station is commemorating, three decades of outstanding Journalism and nurturing world-class Journalists.

The year-long anniversary, under the theme, “A Legacy of Excellence: Celebrating 30 Years of Outstanding Journalism”, was launched at the University of Ghana Law School auditorium, marking a significant milestone in the station's legacy of cultivating talents in broadcasting and journalism.

From its humble beginnings as the Voice of Legon in 1994, Radio Univers has now become a household name in Ghana, particularly in Accra and its environs.

It was established by a collaborative effort of the University’s management then to augment the country’s early 4th Republican democracy efforts and to provide alternative media to the national state broadcaster, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.

In his welcome speech, Station Manager Dr. Alhajj Abubakari Sidick Ahmed, highlighted Radio Univers' reputation for producing highly sought-after professionals in the broadcasting industry.

“In a country where, historically, graduating from journalism school was a prerequisite for employment in mainstream media, Univers changed the employment landscape by empowering volunteers from diverse disciplines to become broadcasters. Non-University community volunteers have also benefited and an example is Nathan Kwabena Anokye Adisi (Bola Ray), CEO EIB Network”, he said.

Dr. Ahmed added that “Radio Univers has over the years been a campus-community based and socially responsible radio station that empowers, educates and entertains”.

He emphasised the station's commitment to excellence, hard work, multitasking capabilities and sound judgment, all of which have solidified its position as a premier training ground for aspiring communication professionals.

Dr. Ahmed mentioned that the station plans to incorporate semi-commercial strategies into its activities, all while upholding the fundamental values rooted in campus-community engagement. This approach, he said, aims to enhance the station's commercial viability, enabling it to generate sufficient revenue to sustain its operations and fulfill its obligations.

In his capacity as Chairperson for the occasion, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, expressed immense joy at participating in the launch of the anniversary celebration.

He stated that “As we look into the future, it is my wish that the station would develop more innovative programmes and redouble its efforts as a medium for communicating research findings and important developmental and educational messages. I also wish

that the station will expand its capacity as a training facility for students interested in media relations and communications”.

Prof. Kwesi Yankah, former Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs and former Board Chair, Radio Univers, shared his experience about the early days of Radio Univers, including the challenges faced in securing funding, equipment and technical support to get the station up and running.

“I formally retired from the University when Univers was twenty years old and I have seen political fortunes in and out of the station. I am glad the Univers flag still flies high” he added.

Mr. Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, Chairperson of the National Media Commission, noted the need for media reform and self-regulation in Ghana to address issues like fragmentation, lack of tolerance for customs and instances of unethical behavior like abuse and irresponsibility on airwaves.

He, therefore, charged both the station and the media in general to persist in allocating airtime to stories of national significance, devoid of personal attacks and prejudices.

“Radio Univers must be independent, assertive, free, fair, balanced, courageous and responsible. It must lead in national discourse and promote diversity and pluralism to demonstrate that it cares” he said.

Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association, called on media professionals to continue to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in their reportage, especially as the country heads towards the 2024 elections.

He urged both the media and politicians to play by the rules of engagement and make Ghana's media landscape a safe place for all.

President of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association, Mr. Cecil Sunkwa-Mills strongly condemned recent acts of harassment and threats against journalists, calling for solidarity with Radio Univers and all media houses to ensure a safe working environment.

The launch ended with an official unveiling of an anniversary logo, cutting of an anniversary cake, auctioning of souvenirs, introduction of anniversary committee members as well as presentation of anniversary activities.

The activities comprise a public lecture in June on the role of the media in democracy, a football gala, indoor games, health screenings scheduled for July, followed by a workshop in August focusing on media literacy, fake news and Election 2024. Also on the programmes of activities is a debate featuring candidates from key constituencies around the University of Ghana in September, leading up to a gala dinner, awards night, and mega concert in October.

There was a seperewa performance by Abena Serwaa, the daughter of renowned performing artist Osei Korankye.

Among those present were two former Vice-Chancellors, Emeritus Professor Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe and Emeritus Professor Ivan Addae Mensah; Her Ladyship Justice Professor Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Supreme Court Judge; Rev. Mrs. Abena Boamah Asare, also a former volunteer; Mrs. Stella Amoa, former Director of UG Public Affairs,; Dr. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah Director, UG Public Affairs; Ms. Pascaline Songsore, Senior Assistant Registrar, UG Public Affairs and a former Radio Univers volunteer; some staff and students of the University, along with past and present volunteers and staff of Radio Univers.

Radio Univers has nurtured a significant number of media professionals, including Bernard Avle, Kafui Dey, Bola Ray, DJ Black, Manuel Koranteng, Paa Kwesi Asare, Ernest Kojo Manu, Joseph Kofi Frimpong Ackah-Blay, Dr. Felix Odartey-Wellington, and many others, all of whom began their careers as volunteers. Some of the above-mentioned personalities were also present at the launch.