The Ghanaian government has condemned the military coup d’etat in Guinea-Bissau, which has culminated in the overthrow of the government of President Umaro Embalo.

Ghana’s foreign affairs ministry, in a statement on Friday, urged the coupists to respect the democratic process and restore constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau’s military on Wednesday announced the takeover of the country’s leadership following controversial presidential and legislative elections in which two presidential candidates claimed victory.

Ghana said it fully supported ECOWAS and the African Union in their coordinated response to the situation, in line with regional and continental protocols on democracy, good governance, and constitutional rule.

“The Government of the Republic of Ghana strongly and unequivocally condemns the coup d’état carried out by elements of the military in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

“The Government of Ghana reaffirms its full support for ECOWAS and the African Union in their coordinated response to the situation, in accordance with regional and continental protocols on democracy, good governance, and constitutional rule.

“This unconstitutional usurpation of authority represents a direct assault on democratic governance and disrupts the electoral process that followed the peaceful conduct of presidential and legislative elections on November 23, 2025,” the statement said.

According to the Ghanaian government, it views the development with profound concern and expresses deep dissatisfaction at the brazen attempt to overturn the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.

It described the military action as a dangerous interruption of the nation’s democratic trajectory and an obstruction of the anticipated announcement of the election results, earlier scheduled for Nov. 27, 2025.

“Ghana calls for the immediate restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and urges all actors to respect the democratic process. Any grievances arising from the elections must be addressed solely through peaceful, transparent, and legally recognised mechanisms. The Government of Ghana further demands that the security and fundamental rights of all citizens and foreign nationals be safeguarded,” it further said.

Ghana also appealed to the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm, exercise maximum restraint, and avoid actions that may escalate tensions. It appealed to the Guinea-Bissau military rulers to also ensure the safe and secure passage of ECOWAS Election Observation Mission officials, who were deployed in the country for the elections.

Meanwhile, the military in the small country with a population of just about 2.2 million, announced General Horta N’Tam, the chief of army staff and Embalo’s close ally, as head of a one-year transitional government.

Mr Embalo reportedly fled to Senegal on Thursday, about 24 hours after he was arrested and detained by the military.

ECOWAS leaders at a virtual extraordinary emergency meeting on Thursday announced the suspension of Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until a full and effective constitutional order is restored. 

(NAN)