Ghana football legend Mohammed Polo believes the Black Stars’ current struggles may be linked to deeper issues after their shocking defeat to The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Ghana suffered a 4-2 home loss at the Accra Sports Stadium after throwing away a 2-0 lead, with The Gambia scoring four unanswered goals to complete a dramatic comeback.
The defeat followed an earlier 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, leaving the Black Stars without a point from their opening two Group C matches.
Speaking to Swiit FM, Polo admitted he was surprised by the result and suggested there are bigger concerns affecting Ghana football.
“I was shocked. I went to the Ghana FA headquarters for a personal engagement on the same matchday, but I didn’t know the Black Stars were going to play. There were no signs in town, and I think there is a problem somewhere.”
The former Hearts of Oak star then suggested that Ghana’s football problems could have a spiritual dimension while defending GFA president Kurt Okraku from criticism.
“To be frank, looking at the performance of Kurt Okraku’s-led administration and how he is striving to develop Ghana football, things are not going as expected. I think Ghana is being hunted spiritually. There is a problem which must be rectified.”
Polo insisted that Okraku should not be blamed for the Black Stars’ poor performances, arguing that the GFA president is working to improve the game.
“Kurt Okraku is performing; he is not the problem, and I must be honest. I have been in the game since 1972, and I think Ghana football is rich now under Kurt.”
He also questioned why Okraku should be held responsible for the struggles of Ghanaian clubs in continental competitions.
“Just recently, Medeama and Nations FC were eliminated from the African club competitions. You fault Kurt Okraku for what? Is he a footballer?”
The Black Stars remain under pressure in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers after back-to-back defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, with calls growing for solutions to Ghana’s football challenges.
