There will be entertainment, music, football and food to celebrate Ghana’s Republic Day.

The Medway Ghanaian Association (MGA) is hosting an event tomorrow (Saturday) at Rainham Recreation Ground, Gillingham.

It will begin at noon will feature a football match, Afro-beats and more.

For younger children there will also be a bouncy castle, a sack race and games.

MGA publicity liaison officer, David Lartey, said: “This weekend will be an extravaganza of fun and we will be promoting family togetherness.”

“It’s a very multi-faceted event – promoting activities, food, togetherness, having conversations among the different communities and finding out what we do best and how we can liaise with them as well.”

Public services, Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue will also be involved to inform people.

“They will be attending to promote the work that they do to the African community and trying to recruit because representation from the black community is kind of lacking within the blue light services,” said David.

There will also be free checkups offered by members of the NHS.

Before the festivities, from 10am to 11am, members will be litter-picking in the park.

David said: “It’s very beautiful because it shows a practical initiative – that we care about our local community while we also celebrate our diversity.”

Ghana Republic Day commemorates the establishment of the Republic of Ghana, marking the country's freedom from colonial rule.

It falls on July 1, but each year the association typically hosts celebrations the weekend after.

Chairman of MGA, Cllr Kwashie Anang (Con), said: “We normally run this event every year and the reason is to ensure we bring the community together and promote community cohesion.”

Anang was also recently elected as a Medway Councillor for Rainham North in May.

David said: “It was a historic moment really, and a time of victory for the whole association because he’s the first Ghanaian candidate elected in Medway.”

Other special guests will be MP Rehman Chishti, the Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, and various Medway councillors.