Ghana Increases Jail Terms for Preaching and Hawking on Public Transport Under New Traffic Regulations

Under the administration of President John Mahama, Ghana has significantly tightened regulations governing activities within public transport through the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519). The new legislative instrument dramatically increases the potential prison sentence for individuals caught preaching or selling goods in moving commercial vehicles. Offenders now face up to eight months in prison, a sharp rise from the previous maximum of three months. This move is part of a broader government initiative to enhance road safety, streamline traffic enforcement, and mitigate public nuisances that distract drivers and passengers.

The 2026 regulations build upon a legal foundation laid over a decade ago; restrictions on preaching and hawking in transit have technically been in place since 2012 under previous iterations of the law. However, the recent amendments focus on stricter punitive measures to ensure higher compliance. Alongside the possibility of jail time, the law retains a system of financial penalties, with fines ranging from GH₵120 to GH₵600. Authorities argue that these measures are necessary to create a more orderly and safe environment for travelers, citing noise levels and safety hazards as primary reasons for the crackdown.

The enforcement of these rules has sparked a heated national debate regarding religious freedom and cultural norms. In a nation where evangelism is deeply woven into the fabric of daily life, many view bus-based ministry as a vital spiritual service. Boateng Bismark James, a pastor and regular preacher at the Neoplan bus station, expressed deep concern over the law's impact on both his ministry and his livelihood. He noted that many passengers find hope and spiritual comfort in the messages shared during their journeys. Conversely, critics of the practice maintain that public transport should be free from unsolicited noise and that the safety of the vehicle must take precedence over personal expressions of faith.

As the government rolls out these stricter regulations, the focus is expected to shift toward public education and rigorous enforcement by the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD). While the law specifically targets activities while the vehicle is in motion—allowing for preaching at stations before departure—the transition to a more regulated transit experience represents a significant shift in Ghana's public transport culture. The coming months will determine how effectively the state can balance its road safety objectives with the traditional practices of its citizens.