The Government of Ghana says it is alarmed by reports of a unilateral and unauthorised military invasion of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela by the United States of America, and the alleged abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ghana strongly deplored what it described as the use of force in violation of the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states.
According to the statement, the Government is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela with “great concern,” warning that actions perceived as assaults on international law, occupation of foreign territories, or external control of strategic resources particularly oil could have far-reaching consequences for global stability and the international order.
Ghana also expressed deep concern over statements attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that the United States would “run” Venezuela pending a transition and that major U.S. oil companies would be invited to operate in the country. The Foreign Ministry said such declarations evoke “colonial and imperialist” tendencies that have no place in the post-Second World War international system and set a dangerous precedent.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of self-determination, stressing that only the Venezuelan people have the right to freely decide their political and democratic future.
Ghana further called for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and the release of President Maduro and his wife, reiterating its long-held opposition to invasion, occupation, colonialism, apartheid, and all forms of disregard for national sovereignty and international law.
The Ministry said Ghana will continue to uphold and defend these principles in its conduct of foreign policy.
