KMA Intensifies Citywide Campaign to Reduce Salt Intake in Kumasi Communities

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), in partnership with Partnership for Healthy Cities, has intensified its citywide sensitisation campaign aimed at reducing excessive salt intake among residents. The initiative, which forms part of a broader public health effort to curb hypertension and related diseases, has already reached several communities, including Amanfrom and Atasomanso, with plans to extend to churches and other public spaces across the metropolis.

At a well-attended durbar held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Atasomanso, stakeholders comprising food vendors, restaurant operators, hoteliers, caterers, regulatory bodies, health professionals, and traditional authorities strongly endorsed the call to regulate the open display of salt in homes and food service establishments. Participants emphasised that the time had come for the Assembly to enact a bye-law that would prohibit the widespread practice of placing salt openly on dining tables in eateries.

The message, rallying under the slogan “Te nkyene no so!” meaning “Reduce salt intake!”, received overwhelming support as attendees symbolically raised their right hands to affirm their commitment to the campaign.

Representing the Mayor of Kumasi, Senior Budget Analyst Mr. Jones Kani explained that the partnership between KMA and Partnership for Healthy Cities is driven by a renewed commitment to improving public health outcomes in Kumasi. He noted that reducing salt intake in food service establishments is a direct step toward lowering hypertension rates in the metropolis and urged residents to fully embrace the campaign.

A staff member of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Zeinab Acheampong, presented findings from a recent study conducted within the Kumasi Metropolis. The research revealed that 62% of 150 sampled food service establishments displayed salt openly, a practice she warned could have dire health implications for consumers who unknowingly consume excessive amounts.

Echoing the need for urgent action, Dr. Patricia Darko of Kumasi Technical University called on all stakeholders to “roll up their sleeves” and join the drive to minimise excessive salt intake. She commended the KMA and Partnership for Healthy Cities for spearheading a lifesaving campaign, urging homes and food establishments to adopt prudent salt usage.

From the Metro Health Directorate, Sandra Ama Pomaa Asuming highlighted both the benefits and dangers of salt. She acknowledged that salt aids digestion, enhances taste, and supports nerve and muscle function but cautioned that its misuse can cause serious health risks. She reminded participants that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum of five grams of salt per day, stressing the need for residents to adhere strictly to this guideline. Wrongful salt intake, she said, can result in high blood pressure, nerve blockage, kidney damage, stomach cancer, and other life-threatening conditions.

The Convener of the KMA Health Sub-Committee, Hon. Abraham Boadi, reinforced the growing call for the Assembly to impose a ban on the open display of salt in food establishments. He described the advocacy as crucial to safeguarding the health of residents and emphasised the need for swift policy backing from the Assembly.

The durbar attracted several notable personalities, 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 graced the event.

Nana Osei Okuradom, Nkosuohene of Atasomanso, expressed gratitude to the KMA and Partnership for Healthy Cities for prioritising the well-being of residents. He pledged the full support of traditional leaders in sustaining the campaign and helping minimise salt intake across the communities.

Participants were given the opportunity to share concerns and experiences related to salt consumption. Many left the durbar enlightened on the health risks associated with inappropriate salt use and committed to contributing to public education on prudent consumption.

The KMA’s intensified campaign marks a significant step toward promoting healthier dietary habits and reducing the burden of hypertension and other related illnesses in the Kumasi Metropolis.