“Te Nkyene No So!”: Atasomanso Community Joins KMA’s Salt Reduction Crusade
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), in collaboration with Partnership for Healthy Cities, has successfully extended its citywide campaign on reducing excessive salt intake to the Atasomanso community, reinforcing efforts to curb hypertension and other salt-related health risks in the metropolis.
The community durbar, held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, brought together food vendors, restaurant operators, hoteliers, caterers, health professionals, regulatory authorities, and traditional leaders. The gathering served as a platform to educate residents and stakeholders about the dangers of unregulated salt use in homes and food service establishments.
At the event, stakeholders expressed unanimous support for the Assembly’s call to regulate salt usage, particularly the open display of salt on dining tables in restaurants and eateries. This follows recommendations made during KMA’s first stakeholders meeting on November 27, 2025, at Adum Amanfrom, where participants suggested enacting a bye-law to address the issue.
The campaign slogan, “Te nkyene no so!”—translated as “Reduce salt intake!”—was embraced with enthusiasm by attendees, who raised their right hands in a symbolic pledge to support the initiative and promote healthier dietary habits.
Speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Kumasi, Senior Budget Analyst Mr. Jones Kani emphasised that the KMA, together with Partnership for Healthy Cities, is committed to improving public health outcomes. He highlighted that reducing excessive salt intake in food service establishments is critical to fighting hypertension, urging the public to actively participate in the campaign.
Zeinab Acheampong, representing the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), presented findings from a recent study conducted in Kumasi. The research revealed that 62% of 150 surveyed food establishments openly displayed salt, a practice she warned could contribute to unhealthy levels of salt consumption among patrons. She stressed that the campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of safer practices.
Dr. Patricia Darko of Kumasi Technical University underscored the urgency of collective action, calling on all stakeholders to “roll up their sleeves” and support the crusade against excessive salt use. She commended KMA and Partnership for Healthy Cities for their efforts to safeguard lives through education and advocacy.
Sandra Ama Pomaa Asuming of the Metro Health Directorate provided insights into the benefits and risks of salt consumption. While acknowledging that salt aids digestion, enhances taste, and supports muscle and nerve function, she cautioned that overconsumption can lead to high blood pressure, kidney damage, nerve complications, stomach cancer, and other serious health issues. She reminded participants that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum daily salt intake of five grams.
Hon. Abraham Boadi, Convenor of the KMA Health Sub-Committee, added that the Assembly is committed to supporting a policy framework to ban the open display of salt in food establishments, describing it as a necessary step to protect the health of Kumasi residents.
The durbar was attended by prominent figures, 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, expressed gratitude to KMA and Partnership for Healthy Cities for prioritising public health. He pledged that traditional leaders would collaborate with the campaign to ensure responsible salt consumption across the community.
Participants were given the opportunity to share concerns and personal experiences regarding salt intake. Many left the durbar better informed and committed to promoting prudent salt use within their homes, restaurants, and communities.
The KMA’s ongoing campaign demonstrates a strong, collaborative approach to tackling dietary health challenges in Kumasi, reinforcing the message that responsible salt consumption is critical to preventing hypertension and improving overall public health.
