Ghanaian politician and businessman Charles Eric Kofi Wayo, popularly known as Kofi Wayo or ‘Chuck’, has died at the age of 71.
He reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday at the Nyaho Clinic in Accra, according to a death announcement circulated on the day.
Mr Wayo, an outspoken political commentator, was known for his criticism of successive governments and his views on governance, corruption and economic management.
He first gained national prominence in the early 2000s through his criticism of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government before joining the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He contested the Ayawaso East parliamentary seat on the NPP ticket in the 2000 general election but lost.
His relationship with the party later deteriorated following its assumption of office in 2001, as he became critical of the Kufuor administration.
He subsequently left the NPP, associated with the People’s National Convention (PNC) and founded the United Renaissance Party (URP), serving as its leader.
In 2012, he was endorsed as the URP’s presidential candidate.
Beyond politics, Mr Wayo advocated agricultural development and supported farmers through the distribution of farming tools, including cutlasses.
In 2017, he announced his decision to withdraw from active politics and concentrate on farming, with a focus on supporting rural farmers.
He remained a distinctive voice in Ghana’s political discourse, often challenging political leaders across the political divide.
