Former Ghanaian President John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor has been named a Global Ambassador against Hunger for the World Food Programme (WFP).

A statement from WFP said on Monday Kufuor joins an elite team of celebrities, sportsmen and statesmen in stepping forward to advocate on behalf of the world's poorest and hungriest people.

WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran said with the number of hungry people in the world expected to top one billion this year, Kufuor is bringing WFP critical supports at a crucial juncture. The ambassador will emphasize the need to provide good nutrition for children in school.

"John Kufuor not only talks the talk, but walks the walk," Sheeran said. "Ghana is a leader in nourishing its children and Ambassador Kufuor can be a leader in getting others to follow his good work."

With renewed attention focused on the issue of global food security, Kufuor will also help to underline the importance of fighting hunger on several fronts -- by investing in long-term agricultural development, but also by funding WFP's work in tackling urgent hunger needs and helping the hungry poor to access affordable and nutritious food.

"Ensuring that every child has proper nutrition has to be the goal of every world leader," Kufuor said. "I hope to inspire them all to strive for this goal."

WFP ambassadors against Hunger demonstrate commitment to the global fight against hunger. They reach out to world leaders as well as the general public, using their talent, skills and public persona to generate awareness and support for WFP.

Kufuor joins a powerful team of WFP ambassadors including sporting legends such as the marathon runner Paul Tergat and the footballer Kaka; former U.S. Senator George McGovern, and the actress Drew Barrymore.

About 66 million hungry children go to school each day. This is largely due to an increase in overall global school enrollment, and the food and financial crises have increased the ranks of the food insecure/undernourished.

Source: Xinhua