KMA Bans Chop Bars from Serving Salt on Tables

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has passed a resolution banning the display of salt on dining tables, a common practice by restaurants, chop bars, and other food outlets.

This was a resolution approved and passed during the Assembly’s December 18th 2025, sittings.

It observes that the practice encourages overconsumption beyond what is used in food preparation, exacerbating the risk of hypertension.

“This move aims to reduce excessive salt consumption and curb rising rates of hypertension among residents,” the KMA said in a statement issued on March 13, 2026, citing a 2025 study.

“In 2025, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly commissioned an observational study of 156 food service establishments. The study found that 62% of establishments openly display salt on tables or counters, enabling customers to add extra salt to meals already prepared with salt. Chop bars recorded the highest prevalence of this practice.

“The study also found that none of the assessed establishments displayed health advisories on salt consumption, highlighting a missed opportunity to promote healthier choices and raise awareness about the risks associated with excessive salt intake.”

According to the Assembly, Hypertension is affecting families and productive lives across Kumasi and thereby the need to address everyday risk factors to protect the health of residents.

“This resolution reflects our resolve to create healthier food environments for all.”

It also cited records to the effect that the Ashanti Region shows prevalence as high as 37.4%, with substantial levels of undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension.

“With many residents relying on meals prepared outside the home, food service environments play a critical role in shaping dietary habits and long-term health outcomes. The WHO recommends less than 5g of salt per day. Studies in Ghana show average consumption of approximately 8-10g daily, about 1.6-2 times higher than the W 110’s recommendation. “

The implementation of the resolution will begin this year with the support of Partnership for Healthy Cities, with planned activities including public education campaigns, engagement with food service operators, and integration of salt-reduction requirements into routine environmental health inspections.

These measures aim to ensure both compliance and sustained behaviour change.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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