The Government of Ghana has expressed strong alarm and condemnation over what it describes as the unilateral and unauthorised military invasion of Venezuela by the United States of America and the subsequent abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra on 4 January 2026, the Government said the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 3 January 2026, and constitutes a serious violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Ghana stated that it strongly opposes the unilateral use of force and deplores actions that undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states.
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The Government noted that it is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela with deep concern, warning that such actions have severe implications for international stability and the global order.
The statement also raised concern over comments attributed to US President Donald Trump, in which he reportedly said the United States would “run” Venezuela until a transition is achieved and that large US oil companies would be invited to operate in the country.
Ghana described these remarks as reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era and warned that they set a dangerous precedent for the international system.
According to the release, Ghana believes that allowing such actions would endanger the international community and undermine the sovereignty of all nations.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of self-determination, stressing that only the people of Venezuela have the right to decide their political and democratic future.
Ghana has called for the immediate de-escalation of the situation and the release of President Maduro and his wife. It further reiterated its long-standing principled position against invasion, occupation, colonialism, apartheid and all forms of violations of international law.
