The Mayor of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, popularly known as ‘King Zuba’, has announced a new public health measure ban
The Mayor of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, popularly known as ‘King Zuba’, has announced a new public health measure banning the open display of salt in food establishments across the city as part of efforts to combat rising cases of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.
The policy, which targets restaurants, chop bars and other food vendors in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, prohibits the routine practice of placing salt on dining tables where customers can easily add extra quantities to already prepared meals. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the Assembly to promote healthier eating habits and protect the long-term wellbeing of residents.
Announcing the initiative, King Zuba described the decision as a proactive public health intervention aimed at safeguarding the future of Kumasi’s growing urban population.
“Hypertension is no longer a distant health concern; it is affecting families and productive lives across Kumasi,” the Mayor said. “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.”
The decision follows an observational study commissioned by the Assembly in 2025 which assessed 156 food service establishments across the metropolis. The study revealed that about 62 percent of these establishments openly displayed salt on tables or counters, enabling customers to add additional salt to meals that had already been seasoned during preparation. Chop bars recorded the highest prevalence of the practice.
Health experts warn that excessive salt intake significantly increases the risk of hypertension, a major contributor to heart disease and stroke. According to Ghana’s non-communicable disease policy estimates, hypertension prevalence in urban populations can reach as high as 34 percent, while evidence from the Ashanti Region shows rates of up to 37.4 percent.
The new policy aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organization, which advises that adults consume less than five grams of salt per day. However, studies in Ghana suggest average daily consumption ranges between eight and ten grams, significantly exceeding recommended limits.
Implementation of the directive will involve public education campaigns, engagement with food service operators, and the integration of salt-reduction checks into routine environmental health inspections. City authorities believe the measures will not only ensure compliance but also encourage long-term behavioral change among residents.
The intervention is supported through the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network of more than 70 cities working to reduce non-communicable diseases and injuries. The programme is backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies in collaboration with the Vital Strategies and the World Health Organization.
Through the initiative, Kumasi joins cities around the world implementing evidence-based policies to tackle major health risks associated with modern urban living. The Mayor emphasized that the Assembly remains committed to building a healthier and more sustainable city.
He noted that the salt reduction policy also supports global development priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on good health and wellbeing, which seeks to reduce premature deaths from non-communicable diseases through prevention and improved health systems.
Mayor Agyemang Boadi said Kumasi is determined to position itself as a model African city where local governance actively promotes healthier lifestyles.
“Our responsibility goes beyond infrastructure and city management,” he said. “It is also about protecting the health of our people and ensuring that Kumasi grows into a city where prosperity and wellbeing go hand in hand.”
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