Kwadwo Boateng Bempah vows to defy ban on preaching in public vehicles

Reverend Dr. Kwadwo Boateng Bempah, the Head Pastor of Holy Hill Chapel of the Assemblies of God, has publicly declared his intention to defy a new law that prohibits preaching in moving public service vehicles. Addressing his congregation, the clergyman labeled the regulation a deliberate attempt to "gag" the church and silence the spread of the Gospel in Ghana. He affirmed that evangelism would continue in all public spaces despite the threat of legal consequences, arguing that the church has a mandate to preach wherever people are gathered.

The legislative measure in question, passed by Parliament in May 2026 as part of the Road Traffic Regulations, classifies preaching and hawking in moving vehicles as a public nuisance. Under these rules, violators face hefty fines or potential imprisonment. While the government has justified the ban as a necessary step to ensure passenger comfort and enhance road safety by reducing driver distraction, Rev. Bempah questioned the equity of the law, noting that other forms of noise and activities in public spaces remain unregulated.

During his address, Rev. Bempah compared the current restrictions to the challenges faced by early Christian missionaries, suggesting that the faith would never have flourished if those pioneers had allowed themselves to be silenced by secular authorities. He expressed skepticism that the government's efforts would be successful, even remarking that the church would find ways to preach in any available space, including the back of "Okada" motorbikes if necessary. He urged Christians to remain vocal and steadfast in their faith despite what he described as increasing societal and legal pressures.

This confrontation highlights a significant cultural and legal clash in Ghana, where religious activities on public transport have long been a common, though often debated, occurrence. While proponents of the law argue it protects the rights of commuters to a peaceful journey, religious leaders like Rev. Bempah view it as an infringement on fundamental religious expressions. The pastor's vow of defiance suggests that the enforcement of these new traffic regulations may face considerable resistance from the clergy and religious organizations across the country.