The Government of Ghana has forcefully denounced the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, calling it an unconstitutional action that endangers democratic governance in the West African country.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Ghana voiced its “profound concern” about the coup d’état allegedly led by elements of the Guinea-Bissau military.
The Ministry noted that the intervention disrupts the electoral process that followed the peaceful presidential and legislative elections conducted on November 23.
The release explained that the overthrow undermines the democratic choice of the people of Guinea-Bissau and has halted the expected declaration of election results that were set for November 27, 2025.
Ghana appealed to all actors to pursue peaceful, transparent, and legally recognised mechanisms for addressing any electoral disputes.
The government further demanded the swift reinstatement of constitutional governance, stressing the need to safeguard the rights and security of citizens as well as foreign nationals.
It also expressed specific concern for the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission currently deployed in Guinea-Bissau, insisting that their safety and unrestricted movement be ensured immediately.
Additionally, Ghana urged the population of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm and refrain from actions that could heighten tensions.
The statement concluded by affirming Ghana’s support for ECOWAS and the African Union in formulating a coordinated regional response to the situation, underscoring the importance of adhering to established continental principles on democracy, good governance, and constitutional rule.
A group of military officers seized control of Guinea-Bissau amid reports that the president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, had been arrested.
Shortly after gunshots were heard in the capital, Bissau, government sources said Embaló had been detained.
Military officers then appeared on state TV, saying they had suspended the electoral process and would be in charge until further notice.
The West African nation had been awaiting the outcome of Sunday’s presidential election, in which the main opposition candidate had been disqualified from running.
The results were expected on Thursday – both Embaló and his closest rival Fernando Dias have claimed victory.
