Traditional authorities, regulatory bodies, and health professionals have thrown their full support behind the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s (KMA) intensified sensitisation campaign aimed at reducing excessive salt intake in the metropolis. Backed by Partnership for Healthy Cities, the campaign—now gathering widespread momentum—seeks to curb the growing health risks associated with unregulated salt use in food service establishments and homes.
The citywide initiative reached another milestone on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, when the Assembly organised a well-attended community durbar at Atasomanso. The event brought together food vendors, hoteliers, restaurant operators, caterers, environmental health officers, traditional leaders, and several public health experts. Their collective voice echoed a strong consensus: the era of openly displaying salt on dining tables in Kumasi must end.
This call aligns with recommendations from the first stakeholders’ meeting held on November 27, 2025, where participants urged the KMA to enact a bye-law prohibiting the practice. At Atasomanso, this appeal resurfaced with even greater force as stakeholders expressed renewed commitment to safeguarding public health. The popular slogan, “Te nkyene no so!”—meaning “Reduce salt intake!”—was passionately endorsed by the crowd, who raised their right hands in symbolic affirmation.
Representing the Mayor of Kumasi, Senior Budget Analyst Mr. Jones Kani reiterated the Assembly’s determination to protect the health of residents. He emphasised that the collaboration between KMA and Partnership for Healthy Cities reflects their shared goal of reducing hypertension and other salt-related diseases. He urged the public to fully support the campaign by embracing healthier dietary habits.
Providing scientific backing to the call for change, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) presented findings from a recent survey conducted across the Kumasi Metropolis. According to FDA staff member Zeinab Acheampong, 62% of 150 surveyed food service establishments openly displayed salt, a practice she warned could expose consumers to excessive and harmful salt intake. She stressed that such habits must be curbed to protect public health.
Health experts at the event echoed this caution. Dr. Patricia Darko of the Kumasi Technical University noted that the fight against excessive salt intake must involve all stakeholders. She praised KMA and Partnership for Healthy Cities for initiating the campaign, saying their efforts could save countless lives if the message is embraced across homes and food establishments.
Adding further insight, Sandra Ama Pomaa Asuming of the Metro Health Directorate educated participants on the dual nature of salt. While it enhances taste, aids digestion, and supports muscle and nerve function, she cautioned that excessive intake is dangerous. She reminded attendees that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily limit of five grams of salt and warned that exceeding this amount can lead to high blood pressure, nerve complications, kidney damage, stomach cancer, and other life-threatening conditions.
Hon. Abraham Boadi, Convenor of the KMA Health Sub-Committee, reiterated the need for policy action. He emphasised that banning the open display of salt in food establishments is a necessary measure to protect residents and should be swiftly approved by the Assembly.
The durbar drew key local authorities, 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. Their presence reflected a united front among local leadership in support of the campaign.
Traditional leaders also signaled strong commitment. Nana Osei Okuradom, Nkosuohene of Atasomanso, thanked the Assembly and its partners for prioritising the health of residents and pledged the support of chiefs in amplifying the campaign’s message across communities.
Participants were given the opportunity to share their observations and concerns regarding salt use. Many left the durbar with improved understanding of the dangers associated with excessive salt consumption and expressed readiness to champion responsible usage in their homes and communities.
With growing support from traditional leaders, regulatory bodies, health experts, and community members, KMA’s salt awareness campaign is steadily gaining the momentum needed to transform public health practices across the Kumasi Metropolis.
