July 20, 2009 - The former president of Ghana, John Kufuor, today was named a Global Ambassador against Hunger - with a focus on the need to provide good nutrition for the 66 million children who go to school hungry every day - for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
"Ensuring that every child has proper nutrition has to be the goal of every world leader," Mr. Kufuor said. "I hope to inspire them all to strive for this goal."
With his appointment, he joins other ambassadors for the agency, including marathon runner Paul Tergat, the footballer Kakà, actress Drew Barrymore and former United States Senator George McGovern, in advocating on behalf of the world's poorest and hungriest.
With the number of hungry people in the world expected to top one billion this year, WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran said that Mr. Kufuor's support is crucial.
"John Kufuor not only talks the talk, but walks the walk," she said. "Ghana is a leader in nourishing its children and Ambassador Kufuor can be a leader in getting others to follow his good work."
As WFP Ambassador, the former Ghanaian leader will also stress the need to fight hunger on several fronts: investment in long-term agricultural development, funding the agency's work and helping the poor access affordable and nutritious food.
WFP - which feeds over 20 million young people every year - said that just over $3 billion is needed annually to reach all 66 million hungry school-age children.
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