Government suspends ban on preaching and hawking in moving vehicles

The Ghanaian government has suspended the enforcement of Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), which prohibited preaching and hawking in moving commercial vehicles. This decision follows significant public backlash and concerns raised by religious leaders regarding the restriction of evangelism. Under the original regulation, violators faced fines ranging from GH₵120 to GH₵600 and potential prison sentences of up to eight months. The suspension is intended to allow for broader stakeholder consultations before a final decision is made on the provision.

President John Mahama clarified the government's position, stating that the law was never intended as a blanket ban on religious expression. He emphasized that the regulations were specifically designed to ensure road safety by preventing driver distractions and maintaining passenger focus. According to the President, while preaching and trading are prohibited while a vehicle is in motion, these activities remain fully permitted when commercial vehicles are stationary at bus terminals or loading points. The clarification aimed to address misconceptions that the state was moving to suppress religious activities in public spaces.

The suspension comes after high-profile appeals from religious figures and political leaders, including Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament for Assin South and a senior pastor. Fordjour, who has a history of evangelizing on buses, criticized the regulation as a threat to fundamental religious practices and evangelism efforts. Other religious leaders, such as Prophet Nigel Gaisie and Reverend Kwadwo Boateng Bempah, also voiced strong opposition, arguing that the regulation infringed upon the freedom of worship and the traditional role of the 'trotro' as a space for spiritual engagement.

In contrast, the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana have expressed disappointment over the government's decision to pause the ban. In a formal press release, the group demanded the immediate reinstatement of Regulation 141, citing the importance of passenger comfort and the elimination of safety risks caused by unsolicited preaching and trading in cramped vehicles. They argued that the suspension undermines efforts to professionalize the transport sector and warned that they would resist attempts to allow these activities to continue permanently.

As the enforcement remains on hold, the Ministry of Transport is expected to facilitate a series of meetings with religious bodies, transport unions, and civil rights organizations. The goal of these consultations is to refine the regulation to balance the constitutional right to religious expression with the government's obligation to ensure public safety and the rights of passengers who prefer a quiet travel environment. For now, transit preaching and hawking may continue without the immediate threat of legal penalties.