In a decisive public health move, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has officially banned the practice of placing table salt on counters in all public restaurants, chop bars, and eateries across the metropolis.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, is aimed at curbing the rising prevalence of hypertension, which the Assembly links directly to excessive salt consumption.
The decision follows a recent study conducted by the KMA across 156 food vending establishments within the metropolis. The research found that a significant majority—62 percent—provide table salt for customers, inadvertently encouraging patrons to exceed their daily recommended intake.
Speaking to OTEC News, Henrietta Afia Konadu Aboagye, Public Relations Officer for the KMA, explained the rationale behind the new regulation.
“We all know how salt contributes to hypertension,” Ms. Aboagye stated. She highlighted that while the human body requires no more than five grams of salt daily, the common practice of adding extra salt to already-prepared meals leads to excessive consumption and subsequent health complications.
Ms. Aboagye emphasized that the ban is part of a broader educational campaign to promote proper food vending habits. The Assembly has warned that strict enforcement measures will be taken, and businesses found violating the new directive will face legal repercussions.
“We are committed to the health of our residents,” she added. “This is not just about enforcement, but about changing behaviours to save lives.”
The KMA acknowledged the support of its partner organizations in this initiative, including the Partnership for Healthy Cities, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Vital Strategies, for their technical and financial assistance in rolling out the public health strategy.
