Restaurants, local eateries, and other food establishments in the Kumasi Metropolis have been banned from openly displaying salt on dining tables.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), responding to growing concerns about hypertension among residents, passed the resolution on December 18, 2025, to curb excessive salt consumption.
The decision follows an observational study of 156 food service establishments in the metropolis, which found that 62% of eateries openly displayed salt. Chop bars were identified as the highest offenders of what is now an illegal practice.
The KMA noted that openly available salt encourages customers to add extra seasoning to meals already cooked with the mineral.
KMA Chief Executive, Richard Ofori Agyeman-Boadi, explained that the policy aims to create a healthier food environment for residents.
“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 a healthier food environment for all,” he said.
The study also revealed that none of the assessed establishments displayed health advisories on salt consumption, highlighting a missed opportunity to promote healthier choices and raise awareness about the risks associated with excessive salt intake.
Ghana continues to grapple with rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with prevalence rates of up to 34% in urban populations. The Ashanti Region reports a prevalence as high as 37.4%, with significant levels of undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension.
“Hypertension is no longer a distant health concern; it is affecting families and productive lives across Kumasi,” Mr. Agyeman-Boadi added.
Implementation of the resolution is expected to begin this year, with planned activities including education campaigns, engagement with food service operators, and integration of salt-reduction requirements into routine environmental health inspections.
The intervention is supported by the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network of over 70 cities committed to preventing diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancers, and injuries. Through this collaboration, Kumasi joins other cities worldwide in implementing proven interventions to reduce exposure to major NCD risk factors.
Joseph Ngamije, Deputy Director for Africa at the Partnership for Healthy Cities, praised the assembly’s decision as an example of evidence-based leadership.
“Kumasi’s decision shows how cities can use local data to take practical action that protects the public. 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,” he said.
The partnership is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and global health organization Vital Strategies.
