By Makiza Micheline Latifa
Accra, January 4, 2026- The Government of the Republic of Ghana has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as a unilateral and unauthorized military invasion of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela by the United States of America, warning that the act represents a grave violation of international law and a dangerous return to colonial-era politics.
In an official press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Ghana expressed alarm over reports that US forces abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during the early hours of January 3. The Ghanaian government described the incident as an assault on Venezuela’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, in direct violation of the Charter of the United Nations.
Ghana reaffirmed its long-standing opposition to the unilateral use of force, stressing that such actions undermine the foundations of the international system and threaten global stability. According to the statement, attempts at foreign occupation and the external control of Venezuela’s oil resources carry “extremely adverse implications” not only for the region but for the global order as a whole.
The statement also highlighted remarks attributed to US President Donald Trump, in which he reportedly declared that the United States would “run” Venezuela until a so-called transition could be implemented and that major US oil corporations would be invited to enter the country. Ghana described these comments as disturbingly reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era, warning that such ambitions have no place in the post–Second World War international order.
“These declarations set a dangerous precedent,” the government cautioned, adding that allowing such actions to go unchallenged would place every nation’s sovereignty at risk. Ghana emphasized that the future of Venezuela must be determined solely by its people, free from coercion, invasion, or foreign interference.
Reiterating its commitment to the principle of self-determination, Ghana called for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and the unconditional release of President Maduro and his wife. The government reiterated its principled stance against invasion, occupation, colonialism, apartheid, and all forms of violations of international law.
The statement concludes by reaffirming Ghana’s historic commitment to self-determination and sovereignty, rejecting without hesitation any attempt to reimpose imperial domination under modern pretexts, whether by invasion, occupation, or corporate exploitation.
Attached is the full text of the press release for reference.