Restaurants, local eateries and other food establishments in the Kumasi metropolis have been banned from openly displaying salt on dining tables as part of measures to reduce excessive salt consumption and address rising cases of hypertension.

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) passed the resolution on December 18, 2025, following growing concerns about the increasing prevalence of high blood pressure among residents.

The decision was informed by an observational study of 156 food service establishments in the metropolis. The study revealed that 62 per cent of eateries openly displayed salt on dining tables, encouraging customers to add extra seasoning to meals already prepared with salt.

According to the study, chop bars recorded the highest rate of the now-prohibited practice.

The Chief Executive of KMA, Richard Ofori Agyeman-Boadi, explained that the policy is intended to create a healthier food environment for residents and reduce lifestyle-related health risks.

“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 establishments surveyed displayed health advisories about salt consumption, highlighting a missed opportunity to educate the public about the dangers of excessive salt intake.

Health authorities warn that Ghana continues to face rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with prevalence rates reaching up to 34 per cent in urban populations.

The Ashanti Region in particular reports a 37.4 per cent prevalence rate, with many cases of hypertension remaining undiagnosed or poorly controlled.

“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 and will involve public education campaigns, engagement with food service operators and the integration of salt-reduction requirements into routine environmental health inspections.

The intervention is being supported by the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network of more than 70 cities committed to preventing diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancers and injuries.

Through the initiative, Kumasi joins other cities around the world implementing evidence-based policies to reduce exposure to major risk factors for non-communicable diseases.

Joseph Ngamije, Deputy Director for Africa at the Partnership for Healthy Cities, praised the decision by the assembly as a strong 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,” he said.

The initiative is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies in collaboration with the World Health Organization and global health organisation Vital Strategies.