A Pinch Too Much?

A Pinch Too Much?

What Salt on Our Tables Is Telling Us

Every day in Kumasi, thousands of people enjoy meals outside their homes, at chop bars, restaurants, and food joints that keep the city vibrant. A plate is served, and almost instinctively, the hand reaches for the salt. It’s routine. It’s familiar. But what if that extra pinch is doing more harm than we think?

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, with support from the Partnership for Healthy Cities a prestigious network of over 70 cities and in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, Vital Strategies, and the World Health Organization (WHO), conducted an observational study through IMS CONSULT Pro in 156 sampled food service establishments. The study revealed that salt is openly displayed in most eateries across the Kumasi Metropolis. This easy access encourages the addition of extra salt to meals that are already prepared—quietly increasing daily salt intake and heightening the risk of hypertension and heart disease.

These findings challenge us to rethink everyday habits and ask important questions:

Can we enjoy our meals with less salt and more care?

What simple changes can protect our health without compromising taste?

This study offers evidence, insight, and a clear call to action for food vendors, consumers, health professionals, and city leaders alike. It aligns with KMA’s public health campaign message        “Te nkyene no so”—reduce the salt for better health.

Explore the full study from this link.

http://kma.gov.gh/kma_metro/docs/1440KMA%20IMS%20Final%20Report.%202025.pdf

Join the movement toward creating healthier food environments in Kumasi.

HENRIETTA A.K. ABOAGYE

PRO-KMA