The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) is working with Partnership for Healthy Cities to educate the public on the risks of excessive salt consumption.
They have held community meetings at Amanfrom and Atasemanso after their maiden stakeholders meeting at Adum on November 27, and plan to visit churches and other public areas.
Their goal is to get people to reduce salt intake and stop displaying salt on dining tables.
At a recent community sensitization held in Atasomanso on Tuesday, December 9, stakeholders agreed that KMA should enact a law to ban the open display of salt in eating places.
Research conducted by KMA and its affiliates shows that many food establishments display salt openly in the city, which can lead to health problems like high blood pressure and kidney damage, among other illnesses.
Experts say salt is good in moderation, but excessive consumption is harmful, noting that the World Health Organization recommends a daily salt intake of 5g.
The KMA and its partners are urging the public to support their campaign to reduce salt intake and promote healthy eating habits.
Nana Osei Okuradom, Nkosuohene of Atasomanso, on behalf of the traditional leaders present at the durbar, thanked KMA and Partnership for Healthy Cities, promising that traditional leaders would join the effort.
Present to share their knowledge and thoughts about salt were Mr. Jones Kani, a Senior Budget Analyst at KMA; Hon. Abraham Boadi, Convenor of the Environmental and Health Sub-Committee of KMA; and Zeinab Acheampong, Food and Drugs Authority.
Also present were Dr. Patricia Owusu Darko of Kumasi Technical University; Sandra Ama Pomaa Asuming of the Ghana Health Service; Mr. Cyril Awudzi, an Environmental Health Officer with KMA; and Henrietta Afia Konadu Aboagye of KMA.
Other attendees included Hon. Abdul Samed, Assembly member for Atasomanso; Hon. Isaac Kofi Yamoah, Assembly member for Santasi; Mr. Silas Boadu, Nhyiaeso Sub-Metro Administrator; and Mr. Atakorah Amaniampong, Nhyiaeso Sub-Metro Environmental Health Officer.
BY Thomas Awuah Asem
