KMA Engages Moshi Zongo Residents in Citywide Salt Intake Reduction Campaign
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), with support from the Partnership for Healthy Cities, has engaged residents of Moshi Zongo in the Manhyia North Sub-Metropolis as part of a comprehensive citywide campaign aimed at reducing excessive salt intake and curbing the growing burden of hypertension and other salt-related non-communicable diseases in the Kumasi Metropolis.
The community durbar, held at Moshi Zongo, brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, including food vendors, restaurant and hotel operators, caterers, health professionals, regulatory authorities, assembly members, traditional leaders and residents from Moshi Zongo and surrounding communities. The engagement served as an interactive platform to educate participants on the health dangers associated with the unguarded and excessive use of salt in both commercial food preparation and household cooking.
Some departmental heads of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly used the opportunity to explain their mandates and ongoing activities to residents. Officials from the Transport Department, Environmental Health and Sanitation, Social Welfare and the Works Department outlined interventions being implemented to improve public health, sanitation, road safety, social protection and infrastructure development. The interaction enabled residents to ask questions and gain a deeper appreciation of how the Assembly’s work directly impacts their daily lives.
Addressing the gathering, the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, stressed that excessive salt consumption remains a major contributor to hypertension, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. He noted that these conditions have become some of the leading causes of death in recent times, largely driven by unhealthy lifestyles and poor dietary habits.
The Mayor urged residents, particularly food vendors and caterers, to be mindful of the amount of salt used in food preparation and to adopt healthier cooking practices. He emphasised that reducing salt intake requires collective responsibility from individuals, families, food service operators and institutions, adding that small changes in daily habits could significantly improve health outcomes.
The campaign slogan, “Te nkyene no so!”—meaning “Reduce salt intake!”—was strongly embraced by participants. In a symbolic show of commitment, residents raised their right hands to pledge their support for responsible salt use and to help promote healthier eating habits within their communities.
On her part, the Public Relations Officer of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Mrs Henrietta Afia Aboagye, highlighted the importance of residents understanding the structures and principles of local governance. She explained that when community members are well-informed about how the Assembly operates, they are better positioned to participate effectively in governance, engage constructively with authorities and contribute meaningfully to local development.
As part of the wider metro-wide campaign, the KMA is rolling out public sensitisation activities across communities, churches, markets and other public spaces to ensure broad-based education on the dangers of excessive salt consumption. The initiative seeks to change behaviour and encourage healthier dietary choices across the metropolis.
At the Moshi Zongo durbar, stakeholders deliberated on the harmful effects of excessive salt intake and expressed support for collective action to curb the common practice of openly displaying salt on dining tables in food service establishments.
Zeinab Acheampong of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) disclosed findings from a research study conducted in the Kumasi Metropolis, which revealed that about 62 per cent of 150 food service establishments surveyed openly displayed salt. She explained that the practice encourages excessive consumption and poses serious health risks to patrons.
Adding her voice, Dr Patricia Darko of Kumasi Technical University called for a united front in the fight against excessive salt intake. She urged all stakeholders to “roll up their sleeves” and actively support the campaign, commending the KMA and the Partnership for Healthy Cities for leading what she described as a lifesaving intervention.
From the Metro Health Directorate, Sandra Ama Pomaa Asuming educated participants on the role of salt in the human body, noting that while it enhances taste, aids digestion and supports muscle and nerve function, excessive intake can be harmful. She reminded the public that the World Health Organization recommends a daily salt intake of no more than five grams, warning that excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure, kidney damage, stomach cancer and other serious health conditions.
Some residents who spoke during the engagement commended the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the Partnership for Healthy Cities for prioritising public health. Traditional leaders pledged their support for the campaign and committed to championing the message within their communities to help minimise excessive salt intake.
Participants were given the opportunity to share their concerns and experiences regarding salt consumption and left the durbar better informed and motivated to serve as ambassadors for the prudent use of salt.
The Moshi Zongo engagement forms part of the KMA’s sustained commitment, in collaboration with health partners, to addressing preventable lifestyle-related diseases through continuous public education, community participation and behaviour change, with the ultimate goal of building a healthier and more informed Kumasi Metropolis.
