By Ebi Kesiena
The Government of Ghana has strongly condemned what it described as a unilateral and unauthorised military intervention by the United States in Venezuela, allegedly resulting in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Ghana expressed deep alarm over reports that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 3. According to the statement, the reported action constitutes a grave violation of international law and undermines the sovereignty and political independence of Venezuela.
Ghana stated that it firmly opposes the unilateral use of force and deplored actions that contravene the Charter of the United Nations. The government emphasised that respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all states remains a cornerstone of the international system and must not be compromised under any circumstances.
The statement further noted that Ghana is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela with growing concern, warning that violations of international law, attempted occupation of foreign territory, and apparent efforts to exert external control over strategic resources, particularly oil, pose serious threats to global stability and the existing international order.
Accra also expressed deep concern over recent remarks attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, in which he reportedly suggested that the United States would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” is achieved, while inviting major U.S. oil companies to operate in the country. Ghana described such statements as troubling and reminiscent of colonial and imperialist practices that should have no place in the modern, post-Second World War world.
According to the Ghanaian government, allowing such actions to stand would set a dangerous precedent, placing the international community at risk and weakening the sovereignty of all nations, particularly smaller and developing states.
Meanwhile, Ghana reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the principle of self-determination, stressing that only the Venezuelan people have the legitimate right to determine their political and democratic future without external interference.
The Ghanaian government therefore called for immediate de-escalation of tensions and demanded the unconditional release of President Maduro and his wife.
