Ghana calls for the release of Venezuela’s President

The Government of Ghana has strongly condemned what it describes as a United States military invasion of Venezuela and has called for the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro, following reports that the Venezuelan leader was captured during a U.S.-led operation.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed grave concern over the developments in Venezuela, warning that the action threatens international peace, regional stability, and the principles governing relations among sovereign states.

“Ghana condemns the reported military action by the United States in Venezuela and calls for the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro,” the statement said. “The use of force against a sovereign state undermines the United Nations Charter and sets a dangerous precedent in global affairs.”

The government stressed that disputes between nations must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue rather than unilateral military action. According to the Foreign Ministry, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference remains central to Ghana’s foreign policy.

“We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritise diplomatic engagement over force,” the statement added. “Ghana believes that lasting solutions can only be achieved through peaceful negotiations.”

Reacting separately, a senior government source said Ghana was particularly worried about the humanitarian and security implications of the situation, noting that military escalation could worsen conditions for civilians in Venezuela and destabilise the wider Latin American region.

“This kind of action risks plunging the region into deeper uncertainty and suffering for ordinary citizens,” the source said. “International law must not be sacrificed for political expediency.”

Ghana also called on multilateral institutions, including the United Nations and regional bodies, to intervene urgently to de-escalate tensions and facilitate dialogue among stakeholders. The government reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and collective security, insisting that no single country should assume the role of global enforcer.

Civil society groups and international relations experts in Ghana have echoed the government’s position, warning that the incident could weaken global norms and embolden similar actions elsewhere.

“This is not just about Venezuela; it is about the future of international order,” a policy analyst said. “If powerful nations act without restraint, smaller states become vulnerable.”

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had carried out a large-scale military operation in Venezuela, claiming that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, promising further details at a news conference at his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago.

Residents in Caracas reported explosions and heightened military activity, prompting Venezuela’s government to declare a national emergency. Venezuela’s Defence Minister, Vladimir Padrino, accused foreign forces of violating the country’s sovereignty and said authorities were still compiling information on casualties.

The United States has long accused President Maduro of involvement in international drug trafficking, allegations he has consistently denied. Washington previously placed a multi-million-dollar bounty on information leading to his arrest, fuelling speculation of a possible military escalation.