Archbishop Agyinasare and Apostle General Korankye Ankrah Call for Social Reform Amid New Legal Ban on Public Transport Preaching

Ghana’s religious and social landscape is undergoing significant shifts as prominent clergy members call for a return to civility while the state implements stricter controls on public religious expression. Archbishop Dr. Charles Agyinasare and Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah have issued separate but complementary calls for behavioral change in public discourse and personal relationships. Simultaneously, the enforcement of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519) has introduced stiff penalties, including potential jail time, for those who preach or hawk on moving commercial vehicles, signaling a new era of regulation for the country’s vibrant religious culture.

Under the new L.I. 2519, individuals found preaching or hawking in moving 'tro-tros' or buses face fines ranging from GH¢120 to GH¢600, or a prison sentence of up to eight months. While these activities were technically prohibited under 2012 regulations, the 2026 law significantly increases the maximum prison term. The Ghana Police Service and road safety advocates argue the ban is essential for passenger comfort and driver concentration. However, the move has sparked a debate over religious freedom and the livelihoods of itinerant preachers. Pastor Boateng Bismark James, a prominent voice among bus evangelists, has argued that such messages provide vital spiritual guidance for travelers who may not regularly attend formal church services.

In a sermon delivered on October 4, 2026, Archbishop Dr. Charles Agyinasare addressed the deteriorating state of public communication, specifically targeting the normalization of insults on social media. He emphasized that while digital platforms offer a space for diverse views, they should not be used as tools for personal attacks or brutality. Agyinasare urged Ghanaians to remember that disagreement does not necessitate disrespect, asserting that the 'truth should not be expressed brutally' and reminding citizens of the biblical mandate to respect leaders and fellow human beings. His call for responsibility in speech aims to foster a culture of vigorous but respectful national discourse.

Parallel to the calls for public civility, the Founder of Royalhouse Chapel International, Sam Korankye Ankrah, has turned his attention to domestic safety and the psychology of abusive relationships. Speaking on the program 'Upside Down,' the Apostle General warned women to remain vigilant against narcissistic and abusive men who often use charm to disguise their true nature. He highlighted the difficulty of reforming narcissistic individuals who refuse to acknowledge their behavior and urged women to take early 'red flags,' such as uncontrolled anger, seriously. His message prioritizes physical and emotional safety, advising individuals to exit toxic environments before they escalate into violence.

These combined developments reflect a broader national conversation regarding the boundaries of personal conduct and religious practice in a modernizing Ghana. As the government prioritizes order and safety through the enforcement of L.I. 2519, religious leaders are increasingly focusing on the moral and interpersonal fabric of society. The coming months will likely see how these new legal restrictions are balanced against the country's deep-seated traditions of public evangelism, as well as whether the calls for civility from the pulpit can temper the often-volatile nature of social media interaction.