The Government of Ghana has issued a strong condemnation of the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, describing the development as a grave assault on democratic governance and a dangerous disruption of an electoral process that had thus far proceeded peacefully.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana expressed profound concern over what it called an “unconstitutional usurpation of authority” by members of the Guinea-Bissau military who announced on Wednesday that they had seized control of the country.
The takeover, carried out by a group of officers identifying themselves as the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order,” comes on the heels of a tightly contested presidential election held on Sunday, 23 November 2025.
The group appeared on national television on Wednesday, 26 November, claiming total authority and suspending the electoral process “until further notice.” They further ordered the closure of all land, air, and sea borders, imposed an overnight curfew, and halted the release of election results that had been scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in articulating Ghana’s position, stated that the move represents a significant setback not only for Guinea-Bissau but also for regional efforts to reinforce democratic stability.
“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”.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana
Assault on Democratic Governance
It said the actions of the military “represent a direct assault on democratic governance and disrupt the electoral process that followed the peaceful conduct of presidential and legislative elections on 23rd November, 2025.”
Ghana’s concern is grounded in the fact that the electoral process in Guinea-Bissau had remained largely peaceful, even though tensions heightened after both leading candidates—incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and his main challenger, Fernando Dias—declared victory prematurely and without verifiable evidence.
With results expected on today, the military intervention has not only halted the announcement but cast uncertainty over the next steps in the electoral transition.
According to Ghana’s government, the attempt by the military to overturn the will of the people risks deepening instability at a time when Guinea-Bissau appeared on the brink of a democratic handover or renewal of mandate.
“The action has dangerously interrupted the democratic trajectory of the nation and obstructed the anticipated announcement of the election results scheduled for 27th November, 2025.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana,
Ghana is urging all actors involved to return the country to the constitutional path without delay. It emphasised that grievances or disagreements over electoral outcomes should be resolved through lawful and peaceful channels, rather than through force.
The Ministry also stressed the need to ensure the protection of lives and fundamental freedoms during this period of uncertainty. It specifically highlighted the safety of ECOWAS Election Observation Mission officials who are currently stationed in Guinea-Bissau.
It added that particular emphasis must be placed on securing the safety and unhindered movement of ECOWAS observers. Ghana also issued an appeal directly to the people of Guinea-Bissau, urging them to remain calm, exercise restraint, and avoid any acts that could worsen the already tense situation.
The statement reassured citizens of the West African region that Ghana remains firmly committed to supporting diplomatic efforts led by ECOWAS and the African Union in addressing the crisis, in accordance with regional and continental protocols on democracy, good governance, and constitutional rule.
The unfolding events in Guinea-Bissau have drawn wide concern across the region, coming at a time when West Africa continues to grapple with a troubling resurgence of military coups.
The sudden intervention by the armed forces not only undermines the electoral process but also raises fears of prolonged instability, particularly given Guinea-Bissau’s history of political turbulence.
As the situation develops, regional leaders, international observers, and Guinea-Bissau’s own citizens await clarity on whether the military will heed growing calls to restore civilian rule and allow the democratic process to proceed. For now, Ghana’s position is unmistakably firm: respect the will of the people and return the country to constitutional governance without delay.
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