Experts Warn of Hypertension Risks as KMA Leads Salt Intake Reduction Campaign

Health experts have issued strong warnings about rising hypertension cases in the Kumasi Metropolis as the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), supported by Partnership for Healthy Cities, intensifies its metropolitan-wide campaign to reduce excessive salt intake among residents. The initiative, which has already reached communities such as Amanfrom and Atasomanso, is part of a strategic effort to combat the growing burden of salt-related diseases, particularly high blood pressure.

A major community durbar held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Atasomanso gathered food vendors, hoteliers, caterers, restaurant operators, health professionals, regulatory authorities, and traditional leaders. The meeting focused on raising awareness about the dangers associated with unregulated salt use in food service establishments and households.

The highly attended event reaffirmed a strong collective stance: the widespread open display of salt in eateries must be regulated. The call follows an earlier stakeholders’ meeting held on November 27, 2025, in Adum Amanfrom, where participants urged the KMA to enact a bye-law banning the placement of salt on dining tables in food joints. At Atasomanso, the appeal was even more emphatic, with participants endorsing the message “Te nkyene no so!” meaning “Reduce salt intake!”, as they raised their right hands in symbolic support.

Representing the Mayor of Kumasi, Senior Budget Analyst Mr. Jones Kani reiterated that the KMA, together with Partnership for Healthy Cities, is committed to improving public health in the metropolis by promoting responsible salt usage. He stressed that reducing salt intake is a key step in curbing hypertension, one of the leading health challenges affecting residents.

Health experts at the durbar provided detailed insights into the dangers of excessive salt consumption. FDA staff member Zeinab Acheampong shared findings from a recent study revealing that 62% of 150 food service establishments in Kumasi openly displayed salt, posing a high risk to consumers who may unknowingly ingest more than the recommended amount. She cautioned that the practice, though common, has severe implications for long-term health.

Dr. Patricia Darko of Kumasi Technical University further underscored the urgency of the campaign, noting that stakeholders must “roll up their sleeves” and actively participate in reducing excessive salt intake. She praised the KMA and Partnership for Healthy Cities for their leadership and urged food establishments and households to adopt more controlled salt practices.

From the Metro Health Directorate, Sandra Ama Pomaa Asuming explained that while salt aids digestion, enhances taste, and supports nerve and muscle function, its misuse can be detrimental. She emphasised that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum of five grams of salt per day, warning that exceeding this limit increases the risk of hypertension, nerve damage, kidney destruction, stomach cancer, and other severe health conditions.

Hon. Abraham Boadi, Convenor of the KMA Health Sub-Committee, added that the Assembly is committed to pursuing a bye-law to regulate the open display of salt in food service establishments. He described the initiative as a critical intervention that would significantly support the ongoing fight against hypertension in the metropolis.

The durbar was attended by key local leaders, including Hon. Abdul Samed, Assembly Member for Atasomanso; Hon. Isaac Kofi Yamoah, Assembly Member for Santasi; Mr. Silas Boadu, Nhyiaeso Sub-Metro Administrator; and Mr. Atakorah Amaniampong, Nhyiaeso Sub-Metro Environmental Health Officer. Traditional leaders from Atasomanso and neighbouring communities also participated actively.

Nana Osei Okuradom, Nkosuohene of Atasomanso, thanked KMA and Partnership for Healthy Cities for prioritising the health of residents. He assured that the traditional leadership is ready to support the ongoing campaign and help spread the message of responsible salt consumption across the community.

Participants at the durbar raised their concerns and shared personal observations on salt use, leaving the event with renewed understanding and determination to support the campaign. Many expressed their commitment to educating others in their homes and workplaces about the dangers of excessive salt intake.

With experts continuing to warn about the rising cases of hypertension and other salt-induced illnesses, the KMA’s campaign marks a timely and essential intervention in safeguarding the health of residents across the Kumasi Metropolis.