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, as well as the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, January 4, 2026, the government said it was deeply concerned about reports that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026.

It said that it strongly deplores the unilateral use of force, describing the action as a violation of the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of states.

“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 said.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that it is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela, warning that attacks on international law, attempts at foreign occupation, and external control of oil resources have serious implications for global stability and the international order.

The Ministry also expressed concern over comments attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that the United States would “run” Venezuela until a so-called “safe, proper and judicious transition” is achieved, and that major U.S. oil companies would be invited to operate in the country.

According to the statement, such declarations evoke memories of colonial and imperialist practices and set a dangerous precedent in the post–Second World War 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.

Ghana reaffirmed its firm commitment to the principle of self-determination, insisting that only the people of Venezuela have the right to decide their political and democratic future without external interference.

The government called for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and demanded the release of President Maduro and his wife.

“The Government of Ghana calls for immediate de-escalation and the release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife,” the statement added.

Ghana further reiterated its long-standing opposition to invasion, occupation, colonialism, apartheid, and all forms of violations of international law, stressing its resolve to uphold these principles in defence of global peace and sovereignty.

Read the full statement below