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.

Kofi 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, he established himself as a distinctive voice in Ghana's political landscape, attracting public attention through his blunt commentary on governance, corruption and the country's economic direction.

He also ventured into active party politics, founding the United Renaissance Party (URP) after engagements with other political parties.

His unconventional style and willingness to challenge political leaders across the political divide made him a recognisable figure in Ghanaian public discourse.

His death marks the passing of a public figure whose political views and outspoken approach often generated considerable debate.

The family is yet to announce funeral arrangements.

Political background

Kofi Wayo first gained national attention in the early 2000s through his outspoken criticism of the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and later 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 but lost to the incumbent.

His relationship with the NPP became strained after the party assumed office in 2001, as he frequently criticised the Kufuor administration over governance and economic management. He subsequently broke away from the party, associated with the People's National Convention (PNC) and later established the United Renaissance Party (URP), for which he served as founder and leader.

Mr Wayo also expressed interest in contesting the presidency and was endorsed as the URP's presidential candidate in 2012. Beyond politics, he advocated agricultural development and supported farmers through the distribution of farming tools, including cutlasses.

In 2017, he announced his intention to leave active politics and focus on farming, saying he wanted to support rural farmers.

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Politician and businessman Kofi Wayo passes on at 71

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