By Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi for Ghanaiannews Canada , Accra — January 5, 2026
The Government of Ghana has issued a strong condemnation of the recent U.S. military action in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in the early hours of January 3, 2026. The operation, carried out by U.S. forces and described by Washington as targeting alleged drug trafficking crimes, has drawn widespread international criticism — including from Accra.
In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Accra, the Government expressed deep alarm and concern over what it described as a unilateral and unauthorized invasion of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The statement underscored that such an action violates the Charter of the United Nations and international law, undermining the fundamental principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence that underpin peaceful international relations.
A Return to Colonial-Era Tactics?
Accra took particular issue with remarks attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, in which he suggested that Washington would “run” Venezuela until a transition deemed acceptable could be achieved, and that major U.S. oil companies might be invited to take part in the country’s economic sectors. Ghana’s Foreign Ministry described these comments as “reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era”, warning they set a dangerous precedent in the modern international system.
“These declarations are reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era,” the statement said, adding that such ambitions have no place in the contemporary global order and risk undermining the sovereignty of all nations.
Calls for De-Escalation and Respect for Sovereignty
Ghana’s government stressed its belief that only the Venezuelan people should determine the future of their nation through democratic and peaceful means. It called for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and the unconditional release of President Maduro and Mrs. Flores.
Accra reiterated its longstanding foreign policy stance against invasion, occupation, colonialism, and all forms of violation of international law, reaffirming that respect for sovereignty and peaceful coexistence must guide relations among nations.
Regional and Global Backdrop
Ghana’s condemnation aligns with reactions from regional and international bodies, including ECOWAS, which urged restraint and respect for sovereignty, calling on the global community to uphold the fundamental principles of international law and non-interference.
The incident has ignited a broader debate on global stability and the role of unilateral military actions in the 21st century, attracting reactions from world leaders, international organizations, and civil society groups. Questions about legality and the future political trajectory of Venezuela remain at the forefront of global diplomatic discussions.
Looking Ahead
As diplomatic efforts intensify and more nations articulate their positions, Ghana’s response highlights the persistent emphasis on sovereignty, multilateralism, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. For Accra, the Venezuela crisis is a test not only of legal norms but of the collective commitment of the international community to uphold a stable and equitable global order.
