Venezuela: Ghana Condemns U.S. Airstrikes, Maduro’s Abduction

The government of Ghana has condemned what it called a unilateral and unauthorised military action by the United States in Venezuela, as well as the reported abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

In a press release issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana said it was alarmed by reports that U.S. forces carried out military operations in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, leading to the seizure of the Venezuelan leader and his spouse.

Ghana expressed strong reservations against the unilateral use of force, stressing that any such action constitutes a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, and undermines the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states.

“The Government of Ghana is keenly following the situation in Venezuela with great concern,” the statement said warning that attempts at occupation of foreign territories and apparent external control of natural resources could have “extremely adverse implications” for global stability and the international order.

The Foreign Ministry also raised concern over statements attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, in which he reportedly said the United States would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” is achieved, and that major U.S. oil companies would be invited to operate in the country.

Ghana said such remarks point to the colonial and imperialist era, cautioning that they set a dangerous precedent in the post–Second World War global order.

Reaffirming its long-standing foreign policy principles, Ghana said it remains firmly committed to self-determination and holds the view that only the Venezuelan people should freely determine their political and democratic future without external interference.

The Ghanaian government called for immediate de-escalation of tensions and demanded the release of President Maduro and his wife, urging the international community to uphold respect for sovereignty and international law.