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Kumasi Unveils Reforms to Tackle Health and Climate Crises

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The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, has announced a new suite of reforms aimed at addressing the city’s growing health and environmental challenges.

The reforms are part of the city’s re-entry into the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global initiative sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Vital Strategies.

One of the key initiatives is to limit the placement of table salt in food service establishments, promoting healthier cooking practices to reduce sodium consumption. This move aims to combat hypertension, heart disease, and stroke, which are increasingly affecting the city’s youth.

The city is also focusing on improving sanitation and waste management. Despite deploying large-capacity waste bins, littering and stray animals remain a problem. To address this, the city plans to activate Section 7(2) of the KMA Sanitation Bye-Laws and establish a dedicated Sanitation Task Force to prosecute offenders.

Kumasi has also rolled out Phase II of the Youth in Climate Change Fund, powered by a $100,000 Bloomberg grant. Over 30 youth-led projects are currently underway, targeting carbon reduction, environmental education, and urban greening.

The city has seen success with a pilot sanitation project in Moshie Zongo, funded under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayor’s Challenge Award. This project has provided a model for expanding household toilet access in underserved neighborhoods.

With these reforms, Kumasi is positioning itself as a leading African city responding to the intersection of climate risk, urban health, and social equity. The city’s initiatives aim to build resilience, promote sustainable development, and improve the well-being of its residents.

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