BY Grace Zigah
The National Democratic Congress Government under President John Dramani Mahama, has formally demanded the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following their arrest by United States forces, describing the action as a dangerous violation of international law and a direct threat to global stability.
In a strongly worded presFs release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 4, 2026, Ghana said it was alarmed by what it termed the unilateral and unauthorised military invasion of Venezuela by the United States and the subsequent abduction of the Venezuelan leader and First Lady in the early hours of Saturday, January 3.
The Mahama administration warned that the use of force against a sovereign state without international authorisation undermines the United Nations Charter and erodes the principles upon which modern international relations are built.
Ghana Condemns Use Of Force And Foreign Occupation
According to the statement, Ghana “strongly deplores” the unilateral use of military power, stressing that such actions violate the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states.
The government said it is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela with deep concern, noting that military assaults, attempts at foreign occupation and external control of natural resources have historically had destabilising consequences for international peace.
Ghana cautioned that the events unfolding in Venezuela go beyond bilateral tensions between Washington and Caracas, warning that they set a precedent that could weaken the global order and expose smaller states to similar interventions.
Oil comments Trigger Sharp Rebuke
Accra expressed particular concern over public statements by US President Donald Trump indicating that the United States would “run” Venezuela until a political transition is achieved and that major American oil companies would be invited to take over the country’s energy sector.
The Mahama government described these remarks as troubling echoes of colonial and imperial domination, arguing that such ambitions are incompatible with the post–Second World War international system.
“These declarations are reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era and set a dangerous precedent for the global order,” the statement said, warning that tolerating such actions would undermine the sovereignty of all nations, regardless of size or power.
Call For Self-Determination And de-escalation
Reaffirming the commitment to the principle of self-determination, the government stated that only the Venezuelan people have the right to determine their political and democratic future, free from external coercion or military pressure.
Ghana therefore called for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and demanded the release of President Maduro and his wife, insisting that disputes over governance, legitimacy or elections must be addressed through lawful, peaceful and democratic processes.
A principled foreign policy stance
The Mahama administration said its position is consistent with Ghana’s long-standing foreign policy tradition, rooted in opposition to invasion, occupation, colonialism, apartheid and all forms of disregard for international law.
From the era of independence under Kwame Nkrumah to successive governments, Ghana has consistently advocated respect for sovereignty, multilateralism and dialogue as the proper means of resolving international disputes.
