Chelsea will embark on their first humanitarian visit to Africa with a trip to Ghana next week.

Manager Jose Mourinho will head the delegation, that includes BBC African Footballer of Year Michael Essien, to inspect projects run by the charity Right To Play.

The delegation will be Accra and Tamale from 29 May until 3 June to visit projects run by the club's global charity partner.

Mourinho said: "Everyone at the club is fully behind the work of Right To Play and we are all proud to support them.

"I'm sure our relationship will benefit thousands of kids throughout the world, starting with this visit to Ghana.

Essien, who is one of the Right To Play ambassadors, added: "I'm sure our relationship will benefit thousands of kids throughout the world, starting with this visit to Ghana."

Mourinho will be conducting play sessions for children in Accra and Tamale.

He will also hold coaching demonstrations for the Right To Play coaches who are integral to the charity's purpose of raising awareness about disease, war and poverty through sport.

Chris Robinson, Right To Play's UK Director, added: "It is going to be inspiring for our local Right To Play coaches and, of course, the children to have Chelsea players and coaches showing such direct interest in them. "

The trip follows a six-year partnership agreed in January between the FA Cup holders and Right To Play, a charity working to bring sport to disadvantaged children around the world.