The Government of Ghana says it is alarmed by what it describes as a unilateral and unauthorised military invasion of the Bolivarian Republic 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 on Saturday, the Government said the alleged incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, and expressed strong reservations against the use of force outside the framework of international law.
Ghana stated that any such action would constitute a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states. The Government warned that assaults on international law, attempts at occupation of foreign territories and external control of natural resources could have “extremely adverse implications” for global stability and the international order.
The statement also referenced remarks attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that the United States would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” is achieved, and that major U.S. oil companies would be invited to operate in the country. Ghana described such statements as reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era and cautioned that they set a dangerous precedent in the post–Second World War global order.
Reaffirming its long-held foreign policy principles, Ghana stressed its commitment to self-determination and maintained that only the Venezuelan people should freely decide their political and democratic future without external interference.
The Government further called for immediate de-escalation of tensions and the release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, urging the international community to uphold respect for sovereignty and international law.
Ghana concluded by reiterating its firm opposition to invasion, occupation, colonialism, apartheid and all forms of disregard for national sovereignty, pledging to continue defending these principles on the global stage.
The statement was addressed to all media houses and issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra.
Read the full statement below >>>
