The Government of Ghana has issued a sharp rebuke of the United States, denouncing what it described as the “unilateral and unauthorised” military invasion of Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, officials said they were “deeply concerned” by reports that the operation unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, Jan. 3. The ministry characterized the move as a violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana is alarmed at the unilateral and unauthorised invasion of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela by the United States of America,” the statement read.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said it was closely monitoring developments in Caracas, warning that assaults on international law, attempts at foreign occupation, and external control of oil resources carried grave implications for global stability and the international order.
The statement also cited remarks attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly suggested that Washington would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” was achieved, while inviting major American oil companies to operate in the country.
According to Ghanaian officials, such declarations “evoke memories of colonial and imperialist practices” and risk setting a dangerous precedent in the post–World War II international system.
“These declarations are reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era and should have no place in the modern global order,” the government warned.
Reaffirming its commitment to the principle of self-determination, Ghana insisted that only Venezuelans have the right to decide their political and democratic future without external interference. The government called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and demanded the release of Mr. Maduro and Ms. Flores.
“The Government of Ghana calls for immediate de-escalation and the release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife,” the statement added.
The ministry concluded by reiterating Ghana’s long-standing opposition to invasion, occupation, colonialism, apartheid, and all forms of violations of international law, underscoring its resolve to uphold these principles in defense of global peace and sovereignty.
