The Government of Ghana has strongly condemned what it describes as the unilateral and unauthorised military invasion of Venezuela by the United States of America, and the reported abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, January 4, the government said it was alarmed by reports that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Ghana said it strongly deplores the use of force, describing the action as a violation of the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana is alarmed at the unilateral and unauthorised invasion of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela by the United States of America,” the statement said.
The Ministry noted that it is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela, warning that attacks on international law, attempts at foreign occupation, and apparent external control of oil resources carry serious implications for global stability and the international order.
Ghana also expressed concern over comments attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that the United States would run” Venezuela until what he described as a “safe, proper and judicious transition” is achieved, and that major U.S. oil companies would be invited to operate in the country.
According to the statement, such remarks evoke memories of colonial and imperialist practices and set a dangerous precedent in the post–Second World War international system.
“These declarations are reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era and should have no place in the modern global order,” the government warned.
Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of self-determination, insisting that only the people of Venezuela have the right to decide their political and democratic future without external interference.
The government called for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and demanded the release of President Maduro and his wife.
Ghana further reiterated its long-standing opposition to invasion, occupation, colonialism, apartheid and all forms of violations of international law, stressing its resolve to uphold these principles in defence of global peace and sovereignty.
