The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, has unveiled a landmark public health policy aimed at reducing excessive salt consumption in the city, in response to the rising prevalence of hypertension among residents.
The policy follows a resolution passed by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly during its sitting on December 18, 2025, which prohibits the open display of salt on dining tables and counters in restaurants, chop bars, and other food service establishments throughout the metropolis. Authorities noted that the practice of placing salt on tables encourages customers to add extra salt to meals already prepared with salt, contributing to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks.
“Hypertension is no longer a distant health concern; it is affecting families and productive lives across Kumasi,” said Mayor Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi. “By addressing everyday risk factors such as the routine availability of salt on dining tables, we are taking a practical and preventive step to protect the health of our residents. This resolution reflects our resolve to create healthier food environments for all.”
The Assembly’s decision was informed by an observational study commissioned in 2025, which assessed 156 food service establishments in Kumasi. The study revealed that 62 percent of outlets openly display salt on tables or counters, with chop bars recording the highest prevalence. Importantly, none of the establishments displayed health advisories on salt consumption, underscoring a missed opportunity to educate the public on the risks associated with excessive salt intake.
Ghana’s national policy on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) estimates hypertension prevalence at up to 34 percent in urban populations, while data from the Ashanti Region, where Kumasi is located, suggests a prevalence of up to 37.4 percent. A significant number of cases remain undiagnosed or uncontrolled. While the World Health Organization recommends less than five grams of salt per day, studies indicate that the average Ghanaian consumes approximately 8–10 grams daily—1.6 to 2 times higher than the recommended level.
With many residents relying on meals prepared outside the home, food service environments play a critical role in shaping dietary habits and long-term health outcomes. By limiting the availability of salt in eateries, the policy aims to promote healthier consumption patterns and reduce the risk of hypertension and related noncommunicable diseases.
Implementation of the resolution will begin this year, with a series of planned activities including public education campaigns, engagement with food service operators, and integration of salt-reduction requirements into routine environmental health inspections. These measures are designed to ensure compliance while fostering sustained behavior change among vendors and consumers.
The initiative is being supported by the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network of over 70 cities committed to preventing NCDs and injuries through evidence-based interventions. “Kumasi’s decision shows how cities can use local data to take practical action that protects public health,” said Joseph Ngamije. “Banning the open display of salt in food establishments is a proven approach to reducing excessive salt consumption and an effective way to prevent hypertension. Kumasi is demonstrating leadership by acting on evidence.”
The Partnership for Healthy Cities is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with the World Health Organization and the global health organization Vital Strategies.
Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region and Ghana’s second-largest city, continues to champion evidence-based urban policies that improve residents’ health and well-being. The new salt reduction policy reflects the city’s commitment to creating sustainable, health-promoting food environments for all residents.
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HENRIETTA A.K. ABOAGYE
(Public Relations Officer)
For: Metro Chief Executive
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