The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, has announced a new policy banning the open display of salt in food establishments as part of efforts to reduce rising cases of hypertension in the city.

The resolution, passed by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly during its sitting on December 18, 2025, targets a common practice in restaurants, chop bars and other food outlets where salt is placed on tables, encouraging customers to add extra salt to already prepared meals.

According to the Mayor, the decision is a preventive public health measure aimed at reducing excessive salt consumption among residents.

“Hypertension is no longer a distant health concern; it is affecting families and productive lives across Kumasi,” Ofori-Agyeman Boadi said.

“By addressing everyday risk factors such as the routine availability of salt on dining tables, we are taking a practical step to protect the health of our residents.”

The policy is based on findings from a 2025 observational study commissioned by the Assembly, which assessed 156 food service establishments across the city.

The study revealed that 62% of establishments openly display salt, allowing customers to add extra salt to meals. Chop bars recorded the highest prevalence of the practice.

Researchers also found that none of the establishments displayed health advisories on salt consumption, highlighting a gap in public awareness efforts.

Data referenced by the Assembly shows that hypertension prevalence in urban Ghana is estimated at up to 34%, while in the Ashanti Region it reaches 37.4%, with many cases remaining undiagnosed or poorly managed.

Health experts note that excessive salt intake is a key risk factor.

The World Health Organization recommends a daily salt intake of less than 5 grams, but studies indicate that average consumption in Ghana is 8–10 grams per day, nearly twice the recommended level.

Implementation of the new policy will begin this year, with the Assembly planning public education campaigns, engagement with food service operators and the integration of salt-reduction requirements into routine environmental health inspections.

The initiative is being supported by the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a network of more than 70 cities working to prevent noncommunicable diseases and injuries.

Deputy Director for Africa at the initiative, Joseph Ngamije, said the policy demonstrates how cities can use evidence to improve public health.

“Kumasi’s decision shows how cities can use local data to take practical action that protects public health,” he said, noting that restricting the open display of salt is an effective strategy to reduce excessive intake and prevent hypertension.

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