Kwesi Pratt Jnr supports ban on preaching in commercial vehicles

Kwesi Pratt Jnr, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, has expressed strong support for a proposed ban on preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles. Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, Pratt argued that commuters should not be forced to endure unsolicited religious messages or prophecies during their travels. He emphasized that shared public transport spaces must respect the individual rights of all passengers, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Pratt specifically criticized the practice of some preachers who deliver frightening messages about potential road accidents. He noted that such sermons impose undue fear on passengers, especially during long-distance trips where travelers may already be experiencing significant stress. According to Pratt, the introduction of accident prophecies is an unnecessary burden on the public, and he questioned the audacity of individuals who impose their beliefs on others in a confined space.

Drawing on constitutional principles, the veteran journalist highlighted that the 1992 Constitution of Ghana guarantees freedom of conscience. He argued that this right allows individuals to choose their own beliefs without being subjected to the religious expressions of others against their will. Pratt further suggested that allowing diverse and often conflicting religious messages in public transport could lead to confusion and tension among passengers of different faiths.

The debate over preaching in trotros and long-distance buses has long been a point of contention in Ghana. While some view it as an essential part of the social and spiritual fabric, Pratt maintains that the rights of the passenger to a peaceful journey must take precedence. He called for stricter enforcement of regulations to ensure that commercial vehicles remain neutral spaces where the privacy and comfort of every traveler are protected.