Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The Government of Ghana has expressed alarm and strong condemnation over what it describes as the unilateral and unauthorised military invasion of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela by the United States of America, as well as the subsequent abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra on Sunday January 4, the government said the alleged actions occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Ghana stated that it strongly deplores any unilateral use of force, describing such actions as violations of the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of states.
According to the statement, the Ghanaian government is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela with deep concern, noting that actions involving the occupation of foreign territories and apparent external control of oil resources could have serious adverse consequences for international stability and the global order.
The government also referenced statements attributed to US President Donald Trump, suggesting that the United States would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” is achieved, and that major US oil companies would be invited to operate in the country.
Ghana described these statements as reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era, warning that such declarations set a dangerous precedent for the international community and should have no place in the post–Second World War global order.
The statement reaffirmed Ghana’s long-standing commitment to the principle of self-determination, emphasizing that only the people of Venezuela have the right to freely decide their political and democratic future.
Ghana further called for immediate de-escalation of the situation and demanded the release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
The government reiterated its principled opposition to invasion, occupation, colonialism, apartheid, disregard for sovereignty, and all forms of violations of international law, adding that it will continue to uphold these positions in its foreign policy engagements.
