Radio Univers Revives Volunteer Send-Off after Three-Year Hiatus
Radio Univers has revived its annual Volunteer Send-Off Party after a three-year break, bringing together past and present volunteers to celebrate and honour the dedicated service of Level 400 newsroom volunteers who have completed their undergraduate studies.
The event, which has been a tradition since 1994, resumed this year with the presentation of certificates to volunteers in recognition of their commitment, creativity and sacrifice in keeping the station vibrant.
Chairing the occasion, former Station Manager Dr. Abubakari Sidick Ahmed, remarked that the certificate of recognition ‘works magic and is worth having.’ He charged outgoing volunteers to have a change of mentality as they transition into commercial media. ‘We see the brilliance of Univers alumni in every facet of society.’
He also urged the outgoing volunteers to remain connected to the station as mentors and role models while encouraging the incoming leaders to uphold the values of integrity, hard work and excellence that have defined Radio Univers for decades.
Dr. Kwaku Botwe, General Manager of Radio Univers, also revealed strategies to broaden the Station’s impact through partnerships with tertiary institutions and expand hands-on training opportunities.
Station Officer Albert Benefo Buabeng, popularly known as Abrantepa, applauded the devotion and spirit of service shown by the outgoing volunteers. ‘They have discovered their voices, nurtured their talents and built foundations for careers that will impact the media and society at large,’ he added.
On her part, Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies, who also doubles as the Chair of the UG Media Management Committee, Prof. Abena A. Yeboah-Banin, noted, ‘the opportunity to volunteer with Radio Univers is a launchpad for your future media careers.’ While recognising the financial difficulties within the media industry, she stressed that media owners remain willing to reward talent, noting that Radio Univers has well-prepared its volunteers to thrive in such environments.
The night also saw the announcement of a new set of volunteer leaders who will steer the next phase of Radio Univers.
The ceremony was well attended by members of the University community, including Dr. Austin Luguterah, Director of the Sports and Wellness Directorate and Mrs. Pamela Korsah, who represented the Director of Public Affairs.
Other notable guests included Radio Univers alumni Giovanni Caleb and Joseph Kofi Frimpong Ackah-Blay of TV3 and Abdul Karim Ibrahim, formerly of Class FM and now Regional Coordinator of the Africa Unite Parliamentary Network for Global Health.
