The Abanga twins: Two brothers, two parties, one political family
Fuseini Yakubu Abanga and Alhassan Yakubu Abanga have achieved the unusual distinction of becoming twin brothers occupying prominent positions in Ghana’s two dominant political parties, despite standing on opposite sides of the political divide.
While their political affiliations differ, the two brothers are said to maintain a cordial relationship, with their contrasting political views rarely getting in the way of their bond. Their exchanges, when politics comes up, are often characterised by light-hearted debates and humour rather than rancour.
Fuseini, popularly known as NPP Abanga, recently won the position of National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the party’s national executive elections held in Kumasi.
His political journey began long before his emergence onto the national stage.
Born in Boinsu, near Enchi in the Western North Region, to peasant farmers, Fuseini’s upbringing took him across several parts of the country, exposing him to different cultures, languages and social environments.
He lived in the Western, Bono, Central, Upper East and Greater Accra regions. His connection with the Ashanti Region was particularly strong, partly because his mother was born in Kumasi and his grandmother lived there.
He spent part of his childhood in the region, living in communities including Fufuo, Enfansi and Boukrom, where he became immersed in the communal lifeclass and social activities of the area.
His early education began at the Boinsu King of Kings Preparatory and Junior High School before he proceeded to the University of Ghana in 2014 to study Political Science and Archaeology.
It was at the university that his interest in politics became more pronounced, combining his academic pursuits with active participation in student politics.
The TESCON years
Fuseini became a representative of Jubilee Hall at the University of Ghana and, while in Level 100, contested and won the position of organiser of the Tertiary Students Confederacy Network (TESCON).
Although he later contested for the TESCON presidency in 2015 and lost, the setback became an important turning point in his political development.
During efforts to resolve the issue surrounding his unsuccessful bid, he came into contact with then NPP National Organiser John Boadu, who took an interest in his political potential and mentored him.
That relationship, according to the account, helped shape Fuseini into the political organiser and mobiliser he has become.
He has since gained a reputation as an effective mobiliser and has been associated with the organisation and participation in major demonstrations across the country.
Twin brother on the NDC side
While Fuseini has risen through the ranks of the NPP, his twin brother, Alhassan Yakubu Abanga, has built his political career within the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Alhassan is currently the youngest National Vice Chairman of the NDC, placing him among the party’s emerging political figures.
Unlike his brother, Alhassan is described as a relatively quiet operator whose political activities largely take place away from the spotlight.
His behind-the-scenes work is credited with contributing to the NDC’s electoral victory in the 2024 general election.
The rise of the two brothers within rival political traditions presents a rare picture in Ghanaian politics: twin siblings occupying influential positions while belonging to opposing political camps.