In a rare display of familial loyalty that transcends political divides, the 2024 NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Aowin, Fuseini Yakubu Abanga (NPP Abanga), has publicly defended his twin brother, who serves as the Third National Vice Chairman of the NDC, Alhassan Yakubu Abanga (NDC Abanga).

The NDC official is currently embroiled in an illegal mining (galamsey) scandal, facing allegations of backing fake anti-galamsey taskforces to invade legitimate mining concessions in the Ashanti and Western regions.

The issue came to light during the NPP National Delegates Congress on Saturday, July 18, where NPP Abanga engaged in an interview with Joy News.

When pressed about his brother's alleged involvement in illegal mining, NPP Abanga initially distanced himself politically but then offered a personal defence.

"I can't defend any NDC person," NPP Abanga stated, aligning with party lines.

However, he quickly added, "Any NDC person is capable of doing anything, but to me, I've never seen him doing galamsey. I know him to be a legitimate man who owns concessions."

This statement provides a crucial counter-narrative from someone with intimate personal knowledge, separating his brother's alleged political actions from his perceived legitimate business dealings.

The allegations against NDC Abanga are particularly sensitive given President John Dramani Mahama's firm commitment to combating galamsey, which he has declared a "national emergency".

The NDC government has launched renewed anti-galamsey efforts, including intensified military operations and a crackdown on rogue taskforces.

The Attorney General's office and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) have reportedly been asked to investigate NDC Abanga.

This investigation into a high-ranking NDC official underscores the government's declared intent to pursue galamsey offenders regardless of political affiliation.

NPP Abanga acknowledged the political mileage his party could gain from such allegations against the NDC.

"To me, as an NPP I'm happy. I want more news that I'll be able to get a message to tell Ghanaians, but Mahama promised that he's going to fight galamsey to make it a thing of the past."

However, he urged caution and proper investigation.

He criticised the public handling of the accusations by high-ranking NDC officials against their own.

Referring to the Attorney General, NPP Abanga questioned the rush to public judgment: "He said there was credible evidence and the word credible means he's value judgment... he should have taken time to engage them to know whether it is true or not."

He stressed the importance of due process: "I heard they've still not been caught they need to detain them as they detain they need to deter as they detain and stuff any above the law you get it as said it has to he has to implement it whether two or where you said what it is credible you get it so for this political internal wrangling it's everywhere."

Familial Ties vs. Political Ideology:

The Abanga twins represent a unique dynamic in Ghana's political landscape, where close family members often find themselves on opposing sides of the political spectrum. NPP Abanga revealed the depth of their ideological divide and even some personal resentment.

When asked about his relationship with his brother, NPP Abanga openly admitted, "In fact, I can even blame him for losing my seat in our win. I won. Yes, he was behind. He came to campaign against me and politics. In fact, we don't share the same ideology. He's an NDC, I'm an NPP, nothing NDC that I support. Same way, nothing MP that he will support, and for that matter, the chemistry is something which is there."

This admission sheds light on the intense nature of Ghanaian politics, where party loyalty can supersede even fraternal bonds, particularly during election campaigns. Despite this, NPP Abanga's willingness to personally vouch for his brother's legitimate business activities amidst serious public allegations is noteworthy.