The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, has announced a new policy aimed at reducing excessive salt consumption in food establishments across the city as part of efforts 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. Authorities believe the measure will help reduce unnecessary salt intake and encourage healthier eating habits among the population.
The announcement was made in Kumasi on 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, Mayor 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 warned 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 says implementation of the new resolution will begin later this year. Planned activities will include public education campaigns, stakeholder engagement with restaurant operators and chop bar owners, and the development of guidelines to help food vendors comply with the new policy.
Health promotion materials and advisories on responsible salt consumption are also expected to be introduced in food establishments across the metropolis to raise awareness about the health risks associated with excessive salt intake.
City authorities say the policy forms part of a broader strategy to promote healthier lifestyles and prevent non-communicable diseases among the population.
Mayor Boadi expressed optimism that the measure would help protect residents and contribute to improved public health outcomes in the long term.
“Our goal is not to restrict choice but to create an environment that makes the healthy choice the easy choice,” he said. “With collective support from food vendors, health professionals, and the public, Kumasi can take a significant step forward in reducing hypertension and safeguarding the well-being of our people.”
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has urged restaurant owners, food vendors, and the general public to support the initiative as the city works toward building a healthier and more sustainable urban food environment.
Kumasi’s proactive approach has also attracted international recognition and support.
The city is part of the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network of more than 70 cities committed to preventing non-communicable diseases and injuries through evidence-based policies.
The initiative is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization, and the global public health organization Vital Strategies.
Officials involved in the programme say Kumasi’s decision demonstrates how city governments can use local data and targeted policies to address major health challenges.
Joseph Ngamije, Deputy Director for Africa at the Partnership for Healthy Cities, commended the city for taking decisive action based on scientific evidence.
“Kumasi’s decision shows how cities can use local data to take practical action that protects public health,” he said. “Banning the open display of salt is a proven approach to preventing hypertension, and Kumasi is demonstrating leadership by acting on evidence.”
Authorities say implementation of the policy will begin this year, with coordinated activities involving health officials, food service operators, and community stakeholders.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly believes the initiative will not only help reduce salt consumption but also encourage broader lifestyle changes that promote healthier living among residents.
Mayor Ofori Agyemang Boadi expressed optimism that the policy would serve as a model for other cities in Ghana and beyond.
“Our goal is not to restrict choice but to create an environment where the healthy choice becomes the easy choice,” he said. “By working together as a city, we can significantly reduce hypertension and safeguard the health of our people.”
As Kumasi takes this decisive step, public health advocates say the city’s leadership could mark an important turning point in Ghana’s fight against non-communicable diseases.
