The Government of Ghana has expressed alarm over what it describes as a unilateral and 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 statement issued in Accra on Sunday, January 4, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, and constitutes a serious violation of international law.
The Ministry stated that Ghana strongly opposes the unilateral use of force, stressing that such actions contravene the United Nations Charter and undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of states.
The government noted that it is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela, warning that attempts at foreign occupation, external control of natural resources, and disregard for international law pose grave threats to global peace and stability.
Ghana also raised concern over comments attributed to US President Donald Trump suggesting that the United States would “run” Venezuela during a transition period and involve major American oil companies in the country’s affairs.
According to the statement, such remarks evoke memories of colonial and imperialist practices and set a dangerous precedent for the international order.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of self-determination, insisting that only the Venezuelan people have the right to decide their political and democratic future without external interference.
The Presidency called for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and the release of President Maduro and his wife, reiterating Ghana’s long-standing opposition to invasion, occupation, colonialism, and all forms of violations of international law.
