The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced a ban on the open display of salt in eateries and food joints across the metropolis as part of efforts to address the growing cases of hypertension among residents.
The directive, which targets restaurants, chop bars, street food vendors and other food service operators, forms part of a broader public health initiative aimed at encouraging healthier eating habits and reducing excessive salt consumption.
According to the Assembly, the practice of placing salt openly on dining tables encourages customers to add extra salt to already prepared meals, increasing their daily sodium intake and raising the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
Officials from the KMA Health Directorate say the decision was informed by rising reports of high blood pressure cases in the metropolis, many of which have been linked to unhealthy dietary practices, including excessive salt consumption.
Under the new directive, food vendors are prohibited from placing containers of salt on tables or displaying them openly for customers to add to their meals. Customers who wish to add salt must instead request it from attendants, a measure the Assembly believes will help control unnecessary intake.
The Assembly noted that reducing salt consumption is a key recommendation by health professionals and the World Health Organization in the fight against hypertension and related health complications such as stroke and heart disease.
KMA officials are expected to begin routine inspections to ensure compliance with the directive. Food vendors who fail to adhere to the new regulation may face sanctions, including warnings, fines or possible closure of their premises.
The Assembly is also expected to intensify public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive salt consumption and the importance of adopting healthier dietary habits.
Residents have been urged to cooperate with the directive and support efforts aimed at improving public health across the Kumasi metropolis.
