Ghana Condemns Alleged U.S. Military Invasion of Venezuela, Calls for Release of President Maduro

The Government of Ghana has expressed grave concern 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.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana said the incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, and constitutes a serious violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

According to the statement, Ghana strongly opposes the unilateral use of force, stressing that such actions 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—particularly oil—pose severe risks to global stability and the international order.

Ghana further expressed deep concern over reported statements attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that the United States would “run” Venezuela until a so-called safe and proper transition is achieved, and that major U.S. oil companies would be invited to operate in the country. The Foreign Ministry described such comments as reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era and warned that they set a dangerous precedent in the post–Second World War international system.

“These colonial ambitions should have no place in the modern world,” the statement said, adding that allowing such actions threatens the sovereignty of all nations and places the international community at significant risk.

Reaffirming its long-standing foreign policy principles, Ghana reiterated its commitment to self-determination and emphasized that only the Venezuelan people have the right to freely decide their political and democratic future without external interference.

The Government of Ghana called for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and demanded the release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. It also reaffirmed its firm opposition to invasion, occupation, colonialism, apartheid, and all forms of violations of international law.