Stakeholders push for by-laws to ban open display of salt on dining tables in Kumasi

Stakeholders in the food and health sectors have called on the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to introduce by-laws banning the open display of salt on dining tables in all food service establishments across the metropolis. 

The call was made at a stakeholder meeting organized by the KMA with support from Partnership for Healthy Cities in Kumasi.  

The gathering brought together food vendors, restaurant operators, hoteliers, caterers, health professionals, regulatory bodies, and opinion leaders, all united in their resolve to curb excessive salt consumption in the city. 

At the end of the meeting, participants unanimously proposed that the Assembly enact a by-law compelling food service operators to stop placing salt openly on tables, arguing that the practice fuels unhealthy levels of salt intake among consumers.  

The slogan “Te nkyene no so!” meaning “Reduce salt intake!” with a raised right hand, was adopted as the collective rallying call for the emerging campaign. 

Mr. Nathaniel Cheremeh, Administrative Officer at the KMA, opening the meeting, said the Assembly, together with Partnership for Healthy Cities, sought to address the high rates of salt-related illnesses through effective policies and public education.  

He stressed that stakeholder support was vital in shaping regulations that would protect public health. 

Ms. Zeinab Acheampong of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) revealed that research conducted in the Kumasi Metropolis showed widespread and problematic use of salt in food establishments.  

She said the findings highlighted the need for firmer measures, including prohibiting the open display of salt, which encouraged habitual consumption. 

Sandra Pomaa Asuming of the Metro Health Directorate acknowledged the functional benefits of salt but warned that excessive intake posed severe health risks.  

She cited World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations limiting daily salt intake to five grams, levels often exceeded in homes, restaurants, and food vending points.  

She linked high salt consumption to hypertension, kidney damage, nerve blockage, stomach cancer, and other non-communicable diseases, noting, recent increases in hypertension cases in the metropolis. 

Mr. Abraham Boadi, Convenor of the Environmental and Health Sub-Committee of the KMA, expressed satisfaction with the strong stakeholder backing for a regulatory ban.  

He described the proposal as timely and necessary, assuring participants that the Assembly would give it serious consideration. 

“Health remains a key priority of the Assembly, and your call for a ban on open display of salt in food service establishments is one that must be taken up and acted upon at the general assembly,” he said. 

Participants expressed gratitude to the KMA and its partners for the sensitisation, sharing personal experiences and pledging to support the campaign.  

Source: GNA 

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