World Food Programme congratulates Kufour

The World Food Programme (WFP) has sent a congratulatory message to former President J. A. Kufour on his receiving the World Food Prize yesterday June 21, 2011 at a ceremony was held at the US State Department.

Mr Kufour and former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva were chosen to jointly receive the award.

They were awarded because of their personal and leadership dedication to fight against hunger during their time as Presidents of their respective countries.

The Executive Director of the WFP, Josette Sheeran in a short note today June 22, 2011, said “It is with great pleasure that I warmly congratulate President John Kofi Agyekum Kufour of Ghana and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil on winning the highly respected World Food Prize, announced in Washington yesterday.”

According to Sheeran, Mr Kufour has been a long-standing supporter of the World Food Programme and this recognition further highlights the importance of his work, both around the globe as a WFP Ambassador Against Hunger since 2009 and at home in Ghana, where, during his two terms as president he improved food security and reduced poverty through public and private sector initiatives.

“WFP was thrilled when John Kufuor agreed to become WFP Ambassador Against Hunger, and his tireless efforts since to shine light on the iniquities of malnutrition and hunger are duly recognized in this foremost international award”, she said.

It is the first time this prize, created 25 years ago by Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug, recognizes the vital role of national leaders in fighting hunger at home and abroad, and we hope that the world’s leaders will be encouraged to continue on their path, Sheeran added.

Mr. Kufour in an interview with the BBC said the dramatic improvement in the cocoa industry during his presidency was key to him winning the World Food Prize.

He recently published a book on Ghana’s agriculture titled “Ghana’s Transformation”

By Ekow Quandzie