Ghana expresses strong reservations against the unilateral use of force and strongly deplores such acts that violate the Charter of the United Nations and international law, as well as the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of States.

The Ghanaian Government is closely following the situation in Venezuela with great concern, noting that such assaults on international law, attempts at occupying foreign territories, and apparent external control of oil resources have extremely adverse implications for international stability and the global order.

Ghana also notes with deep concern statements by US President, Donald Trump that the US will “run Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transitions” and that US large oil companies will be asked to “go in.”

These declarations are reminiscent of the colonial and imperialist era. They set a dangerous precedent for the global order. Such colonial ambitions should have no place in the post-Second World War era.

To allow this is to put the international community at great risk and undermine the sovereignty of every country. Ghana, therefore, reaffirms its commitment to the principle of self-determination and holds the firm view that only the Venezuelan people should freely determine their political and democratic future.

The Government of Ghana shall maintain and defend its long-held principled position against invasion, occupation, colonialism, apartheid, disregard for sovereignty and all forms of violation of international law.