Ghanaian politician and businessman Charles Eric Kofi Wayo, popularly known as Kofi Wayo or ‘Chuck’, has died at the age of 71. A death announcement circulated on Saturday, November 7, 2026, indicated that he passed away in the early hours of the day at Nyaho Clinic in Accra. Mr Wayo, who resided in East Legon, was widely known for his outspoken views on national politics and his criticism of successive governments.
Although he never held high political office, Wayo established himself as a distinctive voice in Ghanaian politics. His blunt commentary on governance, corruption and the country’s economic direction attracted public attention. His unconventional style and willingness to challenge political leaders across the political divide made him a recognisable figure in public discourse.
Crossed Party Lines in Politics
Wayo first gained national attention in the early 2000s. He was an outspoken critic of the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Later, he became associated with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). He contested the Ayawaso East parliamentary seat on the NPP ticket in the 2000 general elections. He lost to the incumbent.
His relationship with the NPP became strained after the party assumed office in 2001. Wayo frequently criticised the Kufuor administration over governance and economic management. By December 2003, Wayo had broken with the NPP to join the People’s National Convention (PNC). He accused the governing party of abandoning its campaign promises.
He subsequently went on to establish his own political movement, the United Renaissance Party (URP). The party was officially registered in 2006. The URP became his platform to pursue the presidency. Wayo presented himself as an alternative leader focused on tackling unemployment, boosting agriculture and fixing the economy. Electoral success never followed. The party gradually faded from active politics.
Turned to Farming and Quiet Later Years
In March 2017, Wayo announced his withdrawal from active politics. He wanted to focus on farming and supporting rural farmers. He used the moment to take aim at Ghana’s major parties. He accused their representatives of putting self-interest ahead of ordinary people.
I am now into farming and assisting the farmers in the villages with implements and other logistics unlike their MPs who are cruising in Land Cruisers and don’t care about them.
Kofi Wayo, as reported by Graphic Online
He also argued that successive governments had neglected rural farmers. He said they needed urgent support and better access to healthcare. While you guys were at the Independence Square dancing and making some useless noise, I was in the farm working,
he said.
Ghanaian politician and businessman Charles Eric Kofi Wayo, popularly known as Kofi Wayo or “Chuck,” has reportedly passed away at the age of 71.#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/86H1KGTm5V
After that announcement, Wayo largely retreated from public political engagements. He kept a low profile for years. In March 2026, a close associate, Ibrahim Zakaria, reportedly voiced concern over how long Wayo had stayed away from public life, GhanaWeb reports.
His reported death closes a colourful chapter in Ghanaian politics. It was a chapter built around challenging the establishment and speaking his mind regardless of who was in power.
The family is yet to announce funeral arrangements.
