The Government of Ghana has expressed strong condemnation of what it describes as an unauthorised military invasion of Venezuela by the United States and the subsequent abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Ghana said it was “alarmed” by the development, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 3.
According to the statement, Ghana strongly deplores the unilateral use of force, stressing that such actions violate the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states.
“The Government of Ghana expresses strong reservations against unilateral use of force and strongly deplores such acts that violate the Charter of the United Nations and international law,” the statement said.
Ghana noted that it is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela with deep concern, warning that assaults on international law, attempts at occupation of foreign territories, and apparent external control of oil resources have serious implications for international stability and the global order.
The statement also referenced comments attributed to US President Donald Trump, in which he reportedly said the United States would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” is achieved, adding that major US oil companies would be asked to “go in.”
Ghana described such remarks as reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era, cautioning that they set a dangerous precedent in the post-Second World War international system.
“These declarations are reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era. Such colonial ambitions should have no place in the post-Second World War era,” the government stated.
Reaffirming its long-standing foreign policy principles, Ghana stressed its commitment to self-determination and maintained that only the Venezuelan people have the right to freely determine their political and democratic future.
Ghana further called for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and demanded the release of President Maduro and his wife, urging the international community to act to safeguard international law and state sovereignty.
