The Chief Executive Officer of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, has announced a new policy aimed at reducing excessive salt consumption in food establishments across the city as part of plans to tackle the growing incidence of hypertension among residents.
The initiative, introduced by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), will prohibit the open display of salt on dining tables in restaurants, chop bars, and other food outlets throughout the city. The Assembly believes the measure will help reduce unnecessary salt intake and encourage healthier eating habits among the population.
The announcement was made in Kumasi on Friday, March 13, 2026, following the Assembly’s approval of the resolution during its sitting on December 18, 2025. The policy specifically targets a widespread practice in many eateries where salt is placed openly on tables or counters, allowing customers to add extra salt to meals that are often already adequately seasoned during preparation.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr Boadi emphasized that hypertension has become a serious public health concern that requires practical and preventive measures.
“Hypertension is no longer a distant health concern; it is affecting families and productive lives across Kumasi,” he said. “By addressing everyday risk factors such as the routine availability of salt on dining tables, we are taking a practical and preventive step to protect the health of our residents. This resolution reflects our commitment to creating healthier food environments for everyone.”
The policy decision is based on findings from a recent observational study conducted by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly in 2025. The study assessed 156 food service establishments across the city to determine salt consumption patterns and related practices within the hospitality sector.
According to the findings, about 62 percent of the establishments assessed openly displayed salt on tables or counters, enabling customers to add extra salt to meals that had already been prepared with salt. The practice was found to be most prevalent in chop bars and informal dining establishments.
Researchers also observed that none of the establishments visited displayed health advisory notices on salt consumption, highlighting what officials described as a missed opportunity to educate the public about the dangers associated with excessive salt intake.
Health experts have long cautioned that high salt consumption is a major risk factor for hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Ghana’s national policy on non-communicable diseases estimates that hypertension affects up to 34 percent of people living in urban areas.
However, regional data from the Ashanti Region, where Kumasi is located, suggests the situation may be even more serious. Studies indicate hypertension prevalence in the region could be as high as 37.4 percent, with many cases remaining undiagnosed or poorly managed.
Public health authorities say dietary habits are a major contributor to the problem. With a growing number of residents relying on meals prepared outside the home due to busy lifestyles and urbanization, food service environments have become an important factor influencing dietary behaviour and long-term health outcomes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults consume less than five grams of salt per day. However, research conducted in Ghana indicates that the average daily intake ranges between eight and ten grams—nearly double the recommended amount.
Officials believe that limiting the availability of salt on dining tables could play a crucial role in gradually reducing overall salt consumption among residents.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly stated that the implementation of the new resolution will begin later this year. Planned activities will include public education campaigns, engagement with food service operators, and integration of salt-reduction requirements into routine environmental health inspections. These measures aimed to ensure both compliance and sustained behaviour change.
This intervention is supported by the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a prestigious global network of more than 70 cities committed to saving lives by tackling preventable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and injuries.
NCDs and injuries are responsible for 80% of all deaths globally. With the majority of the world’s population now living in urban settings, city authorities and their leaders are uniquely positioned to transform the fight against NCDs and injuries and reduce preventable deaths by implementing policies that are proven to prevent exposure to risk factors such as unsafe streets.
Through the Partnership, Kumasi joins other Cities worldwide in implementing proven interventions that reduce exposure to major NCD risk factors.
Kumasi’s decision shows how Cities can use local data to take practical action that protects public health, as explained by Joseph Ngamije, Deputy Director for Africa, Partnership for Healthy Cities.
“Banning the open display of salt in food establishments is a proven approach to reducing excessive salt consumption and an effective way to prevent hypertension. Kumasi is demonstrating leadership by acting on evidence, ” he said.
The Partnership is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).
By Benjamin Aidoo
