Mohammed Polo says Ghana’s traditional style of football has disappeared because the Black Stars now contain so few players based in the country. The legendary Ghanaian midfielder believes the squad’s heavy reliance on foreign-based players has affected its cohesion, chemistry and commitment.
Polo, who helped Ghana win the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations, said the national team no longer displays the distinctive approach that once entertained supporters. He also suggested that the absence of more locally based players had contributed to a lack of character during matches.
“Even that sort of Ghanaian style of playing isn’t there anymore because almost the majority of our players are foreign-based. Only the goalkeeper. So that sort of character and commitment was lacking,” he told Asempa FM in an interview.
The former Black Stars player was speaking after Ghana’s inconsistent campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although the team initially raised expectations with its performances, its form later declined and it was eliminated in the Round of 32.
Polo questioned why the momentum generated at the start of the tournament failed to continue, pointing to possible difficulties within the squad.
“When they went to the World Cup, the way they started, everyone was happy, and suddenly they cut it. Why did it cut? It shows that there are some commitment issues or a lack of chemistry among the players in camp,” he added.
Ghana’s World Cup campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat by Colombia in the Round of 32. The Black Stars were managed by Carlos Queiroz during the tournament.
Polo’s comments focus on the changing make-up of Ghana’s national team and the effect he believes it has had on the side’s identity. In his view, the presence of more home-based players would help restore the unity and commitment that he associates with the Black Stars’ traditional style.
The 1978 AFCON winner’s assessment comes as concerns continue over Ghana’s performances on the international stage. While he acknowledged that the team’s opening displays at the World Cup had initially pleased supporters, he said the subsequent drop-off highlighted problems with the squad’s understanding and collective effort.
Ghana’s exit against Colombia means the Black Stars were unable to progress beyond the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Polo believes the team’s difficulties were not simply tactical, but also linked to the relationships and commitment among the players during their time together in camp.
