The Government of Ghana has expressed alarm and strong condemnation over what it described as the unilateral military invasion of Venezuela by the United States and the subsequent abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Ghana said the operation, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday, Jan. 3, violated international law, the United Nations Charter and the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Venezuela.
Ghana reiterated its long-standing opposition to the unilateral use of force, warning that such actions undermine global stability and set dangerous precedents for the international order. The government said it was closely monitoring developments in Venezuela and expressed concern about what it described as apparent attempts at foreign occupation and external control of strategic resources, including oil.
The statement also referenced remarks attributed to US President Donald Trump, in which he suggested the United States would “run” Venezuela during a transition period and invite major American oil companies to operate in the country. Ghana said such comments evoked colonial and imperialist practices that have no place in the post-Second World War international system.
“These declarations are reminiscent of a bygone era and pose a serious threat to the sovereignty of all nations,” the ministry said.
Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of self-determination, stressing that Venezuela’s political future must be decided freely by its people, without external interference. The government called for immediate de-escalation of tensions and demanded the release of President Maduro and his wife.
The statement underscored Ghana’s consistent opposition to invasion, occupation, colonialism, apartheid and all forms of violations of international law, noting that respect for sovereignty remains essential to maintaining global peace and security.
Ghana urged the international community to act responsibly to prevent further escalation and to uphold the rules-based international order.