Former Ghanaian politician and businessman, Charles Eric “Kofi” Wayo, has died.
The outspoken maverick reportedly passed away in the early hours of Saturday, November 7, 2026, at his East Legon home, near Acheampong Junction, after years away from the public spotlight.
His death brings to an end the life of one of Ghana’s most colourful and unconventional politicians, whose fiery criticism of successive governments made him one of the country’s most recognisable voices during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Popularly known simply as Kofi Wayo or “Chuck” Wayo, he first shot to national prominence as an uncompromising critic of the Jerry John Rawlings administration. His outspoken views on corruption, governance and economic management earned him considerable public attention and frequent appearances on radio and television political programmes.
His criticism of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government brought him into the fold of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), where he contested the Ayawaso East parliamentary seat in the 2000 general election. Although unsuccessful in his parliamentary bid, he became one of the party’s visible campaigners during the election that brought President John Agyekum Kufuor to power.
His relationship with the NPP, however, proved short-lived.
Not long after the party assumed office, Kofi Wayo turned his criticism on the Kufuor administration, accusing government officials of failing to live up to the promises that had won them electoral victory. His frequent attacks on corruption and what he described as political hypocrisy eventually led to his departure from the party.
He subsequently joined the People’s National Convention (PNC), hoping to play a leading role in the party. Internal disagreements, however, saw him part ways with the PNC as well.
Determined to chart his own political path, Kofi Wayo founded the United Renaissance Party (URP), presenting it as an alternative to Ghana’s two dominant political parties. He repeatedly declared his intention to contest the presidency and campaigned on promises of agricultural transformation, job creation, industrialisation and a relentless fight against corruption.
Despite his ambition, the URP failed to gain significant electoral traction and gradually faded from the political landscape.
Throughout his political career, Kofi Wayo cultivated a reputation as an independent-minded politician who was willing to challenge governments regardless of political affiliation. His blunt language, unconventional style, American accent and larger-than-life personality made him one of the country’s most distinctive political commentators.
In 2017, he announced his retirement from active politics, saying he had become disillusioned with Ghana’s partisan political system. He turned his attention to farming and largely withdrew from public life.
Friends and acquaintances say he became increasingly secluded in recent years, rarely appearing in the media or participating in political discussions.
Although he never occupied high political office, Kofi Wayo’s influence extended beyond electoral politics. He was remembered for his fearless criticism of those in power, his advocacy for accountability in public office and his insistence that Ghana’s political leadership should place the welfare of ordinary citizens above partisan interests.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.