The Chief Executive Officer of PIWAK Natural Health, Dr Prince Nelson Mortoti, has strongly endorsed the decision by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to prohibit the open display of salt in food establishments across the metropolis, describing the policy as a bold and necessary step toward protecting public health.
The new regulation, announced by the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, seeks to reduce excessive salt consumption among residents as part of a wider strategy to address the alarming rise in hypertension and other non-communicable diseases in the city.
Dr Mortoti, whose company produces the widely known 3P Garlic Mixture, praised the initiative, stating that it reflects a growing recognition of the importance of preventive health measures in addressing lifestyle-related illnesses.
According to the herbal health expert, excessive salt intake has become one of the most overlooked contributors to high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases in Ghana, particularly in urban centres where many residents rely on meals prepared outside their homes.
“Hypertension is silently affecting thousands of people, and unfortunately many do not realize that everyday dietary habits—especially high salt intake—are major contributors,” Dr Mortoti said. “The decision by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to regulate the open display of salt is a commendable step that deserves the full support of residents, health practitioners, and food vendors.”
Dr Mortoti noted that the move aligns with the global shift toward preventive healthcare, which emphasizes lifestyle changes and healthier food environments as effective ways of reducing disease burden.
He explained that while medications remain important for managing hypertension, prevention through proper nutrition and natural health practices is equally crucial.
“Reducing salt consumption is one of the simplest but most effective ways to control high blood pressure,” he stated. “When city authorities take proactive measures like this, it shows commitment to protecting lives and improving the overall health of the population.”
The policy will prevent restaurants, chop bars, and other food vendors from placing salt openly on dining tables or counters, a practice that has been identified as encouraging the unnecessary addition of salt to already seasoned meals.
Health authorities believe removing easy access to salt in dining environments will help discourage the habit of adding extra salt, which significantly increases daily sodium intake.
A Growing Health Concern
Studies have shown that hypertension is rapidly becoming a major health challenge in Ghana. National estimates indicate that about 34 percent of urban residents are affected by high blood pressure.
However, the situation appears even more concerning in the Ashanti Region, where the prevalence of hypertension is believed to be as high as 37.4 percent, with many cases remaining undiagnosed or poorly managed.
The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume less than five grams of salt per day. Yet studies conducted in Ghana suggest that the average intake ranges between eight and ten grams daily—almost double the recommended level.
Public health experts attribute this trend partly to the growing dependence on restaurant and street foods, which often contain significant amounts of salt.
Dr Mortoti believes the new regulation will encourage both food vendors and consumers to adopt healthier dietary habits.
“When people have unrestricted access to salt on the table, they tend to add it without thinking,” he explained. “Removing that temptation is a practical way to help people reduce their sodium intake.”
Herbal Medicine and Healthy Living
As a practitioner of natural and herbal medicine, Dr Mortoti also emphasized the importance of combining healthier eating habits with natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments to maintain good cardiovascular health.
Through PIWAK Natural Health, he has been advocating the use of natural products such as the 3P Garlic Mixture, which he says supports general wellness and helps individuals adopt healthier lifestyles.
He stressed, however, that no single product can replace responsible dietary habits.
“Natural remedies work best when people also take responsibility for what they eat,” he said. “Reducing salt consumption, exercising regularly, and managing stress are all essential steps toward preventing hypertension.”
Global Support for Kumasi’s Initiative
Kumasi’s salt reduction policy has also drawn international attention. The city is part of the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network dedicated to reducing non-communicable diseases and improving public health outcomes in urban areas.
The programme is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization, and the global health organization Vital Strategies.
Health advocates believe Kumasi’s decision could serve as a model for other cities in Ghana seeking to address the growing burden of hypertension and related illnesses.
A Call for Collective Support
Dr Mortoti has therefore called on restaurant operators, chop bar owners, and residents to fully support the KMA initiative, noting that improving public health requires a collective effort from government, health professionals, and the general public.
He urged food vendors to cooperate with city authorities and adopt healthier cooking and serving practices that prioritize the well-being of customers.
“This policy is not meant to punish anyone,” he said. “It is meant to protect lives. If we all support this initiative, Kumasi can become a leading example of how cities can take practical steps to reduce hypertension and promote healthier living.”
As implementation of the policy begins later this year, health advocates and practitioners like Dr Mortoti remain hopeful that the move will significantly reduce salt consumption and contribute to improved cardiovascular health among residents of the Garden City.
