Kumasi Metro Launches Aggressive Sensitisation Drive to Curb Excessive Salt Use

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), in partnership with Partnership for Healthy Cities, has launched an aggressive, metro-wide sensitisation campaign aimed at educating the public on the dangers of excessive salt consumption. The initiative, targeting both food service establishments and households, seeks to mitigate the rising health risks associated with unregulated salt intake, including hypertension, kidney disease, and cardiovascular complications.

The campaign, which began with community durbars in Amanfrom and Atasomanso, is designed to reach a wide cross-section of the metropolis, including churches, public spaces, and restaurants. The recent durbar held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Atasomanso, brought together food vendors, hotel operators, caterers, restaurant owners, health professionals, regulatory authorities, and traditional leaders to reinforce the importance of reducing salt consumption.

At the gathering, stakeholders expressed strong support for KMA’s call to ban the open display of salt in eateries, echoing recommendations from the Assembly’s first stakeholders’ meeting at Adum Amanfrom on November 27, 2025. The proposal aims to encourage more responsible salt usage and curb the common practice of leaving salt on dining tables for unrestricted consumption.

The campaign slogan, “Te nkyene no so!”—meaning “Reduce salt intake!”—was enthusiastically endorsed by attendees, who raised their right hands in a symbolic pledge to join the initiative.

Speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Kumasi, Senior Budget Analyst Mr. Jones Kani emphasized that KMA, in collaboration with Partnership for Healthy Cities, is committed to improving public health in the metropolis. He noted that reducing excessive salt intake is a critical step in the fight against hypertension and related diseases and called on residents to support the campaign by adopting healthier eating practices.

Zeinab Acheampong of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) presented findings from a recent survey of food service establishments in Kumasi, revealing that 62% of 150 surveyed outlets openly display salt. She warned that this practice contributes to unhealthy salt consumption levels among customers and urged establishments to adhere to recommended guidelines.

Dr. Patricia Darko of Kumasi Technical University stressed the importance of collective action, urging stakeholders to actively participate in the campaign. She praised KMA and Partnership for Healthy Cities for their proactive efforts, highlighting the lifesaving potential of widespread public education on salt intake.

Sandra Ama Pomaa Asuming from the Metro Health Directorate further elaborated on the health implications of excessive salt consumption. While salt is essential for digestion, taste enhancement, and muscle and nerve function, overuse can lead to hypertension, kidney damage, nerve complications, and stomach cancer. She reminded attendees that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily intake of no more than five grams of salt.

Hon. Abraham Boadi, Convenor of the KMA Health Sub-Committee, reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to implementing a bye-law that would regulate salt display in food establishments. He emphasized that such regulatory measures are essential to safeguarding the health of Kumasi residents.

The durbar was attended by prominent 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 pledged their support.

Nana Osei Okuradom, Nkosuohene of Atasomanso, thanked KMA and Partnership for Healthy Cities for prioritising public health and promised that traditional authorities would actively collaborate in promoting responsible salt consumption.

Participants left the durbar better informed on the risks associated with excessive salt use and committed to spreading awareness in their communities, homes, and businesses.

KMA’s aggressive sensitisation drive demonstrates a comprehensive and collaborative approach to tackling excessive salt consumption in Kumasi, highlighting the Assembly’s dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of residents across the metropolis.