Ghanaian politician and businessman Charles Eric Kofi Wayo, popularly known as Kofi Wayo or ‘Chuck’, has died at the age of 71.
According to a death announcement circulated on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Mr Wayo passed away in the early hours of the day at Nyaho Clinic in Accra. He was a resident of East Legon.
Kofi Wayo was widely recognised for his outspoken views on Ghanaian politics and his persistent criticism of successive governments, regardless of their political affiliation.
Although he never occupied a major public office, he carved out a unique identity in the country’s political landscape through his blunt commentary on governance, corruption, economic management and national development.
His unconventional political approach and willingness to challenge political leaders across the political divide frequently attracted public attention and generated debate.
Political Career and Background
Kofi Wayo first gained national prominence in the early 2000s through his outspoken criticism of the then National Democratic Congress (NDC) government before becoming associated with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He contested the Ayawaso East parliamentary seat on the NPP ticket in the 2000 general elections but was unsuccessful.
However, his relationship with the NPP became strained after the party assumed power in 2001 under former President John Agyekum Kufuor. He subsequently became increasingly critical of the administration, particularly over governance and economic management.
Following his departure from the NPP, Mr Wayo associated with the People’s National Convention (PNC) before establishing the United Renaissance Party (URP), serving as its founder and leader.
He later expressed presidential ambitions and was endorsed as the URP’s presidential candidate for the 2012 general elections.
Beyond partisan politics, Kofi Wayo was an advocate of agricultural development and demonstrated an interest in supporting rural farmers. He promoted farming as a means of improving livelihoods and encouraged agricultural activities through initiatives that included distributing farming tools such as cutlasses.
In 2017, he announced his decision to withdraw from active politics and concentrate on farming, explaining that he wanted to devote more attention to supporting farmers and developing the agricultural sector.
Throughout his political journey, Mr Wayo remained a distinctive public figure whose outspoken commentary, frequent media appearances and criticism of successive administrations made him a familiar voice in Ghana’s political discourse.
His death marks the end of a chapter in the life of a politician and businessman who remained unafraid to express his views on national affairs.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
