President John Mahama has begun a two-day working visit to the Central Region Thursday morning.

The president early on visited and interacted with the chiefs and people of Ayanfuri where he promised that a livelihood improvement project will soon be institutionalised to provide alternative employment for youth living in galamsey communities.

The project as announced by the president will involve tree planting and other economic ventures.

The president expressed his displeasure with the manner in which the lands and river have been degraded because of the galamsey activities in the area.

He reminded the chiefs that they, like government and others have a responsibility to ensure the protection of the environment.

The president is expected to visit Dunkwa-on-Offin and inaugurate a new bridge over the pra River after which he will meet with the fishermen in the region.

According to Joy News TV's Gifty Andoh-Appiah the president will inspect progress of work on the Kotokuraba market and Cape Coast Stadium.

He will also inspect a new water facility serving the Ekumfi and Gomoa areas after which he will address students at the University College of Education, Winneba.