KMA bans open display of salt in restaurants across metropolis
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly in the Ashanti Region passed a resolution banning the open display of salt in all food establishments across the city.
The move aims to reduce excessive salt consumption and to curb rising rates of hypertension among residents in the metropolis.The resolution, which was approved during the assembly’s recent meeting, targets a common practice in restaurants, chop bars, and other food outlets where salt is often placed on tables, encouraging overconsumption beyond what is used in food preparation.
Outcome of study
The policy decision is informed by new local evidence gathered out of an observational study conducted in 2025 by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly of 156 food service establishments.
The study found that 62 per cent of establishments openly display salt on tables or counters, enabling customers to add extra salt to meals already prepared with salt.
Chop bars recorded the highest prevalence of this practice.
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.
It is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the global health organisation Vital Strategies.
Not distant health concern
Announcing the decision, the Chief Executive, KMA, Richard Ofori Agyeman-Boadi, said hypertension was no longer a distant health concern as it was 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 resolve to create healthier food environments for all.”
“These measures aim to ensure both compliance and sustained behaviour change”, he pointed out.
Nutrition officer
The Kumasi Metro Nutritionist, Sandra Ama Pomaa Asuming, in an interview said the area in 2023 recorded 18,864 hypertension cases, and in 2024 a total of 18, 344 cases were also recorded in public health facilities.
“I wish to caution people that they put their health at risk if they put more salt into foods already prepared.
It will be in their own interest to do away with this age-old practice as it exposes them to hypertension,” she stressed.
The Deputy Director for Africa, Partnership for Healthy Cities, Joseph Ngamije, said KMA’s decision showed how cities can use local data to take practical action that protects public health.
“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.
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