Ghana has stepped up enforcement of regulations prohibiting preaching and hawking inside moving public and commercial vehicles, introducing penalties that include fines and up to eight months in prison according to Naija247news. The measures, which follow legislation passed by Ghana’s parliament in May according to Rocketnews, mark a significant tightening of an earlier prohibition first introduced in 2012. While authorities frame the rules as a matter of transport safety and passenger comfort, the renewed enforcement has sparked debate among commuters, religious leaders, and evangelists who depend on the practice for their livelihood.
Road Traffic Regulations Penalize Preaching in Moving Vehicles
Under the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, causing or permitting a nuisance such as preaching or hawking in a moving public or commercial vehicle is treated as an offense. Punishments include imprisonment for up to eight months, a fine ranging between 10 and 50 penalty units, or both, with a single penalty unit valued at GH¢12. Because the provision applies generally to both preaching and hawking, the restriction is not specifically directed at Christian evangelism.
Ghanaian transport authorities have presented the restrictions primarily as a public-safety measure to prevent distractions that could interfere with driver concentration. Passengers on long-distance vehicles and trotros have historically experienced pastors walking through aisles, standing near stairwells, and reading from the Bible during journeys. While some travelers express relief over reduced noise disturbances and uncomfortable interactions, others argue that preaching provides spiritual benefit, particularly for individuals who cannot regularly attend Sunday services.
Impact on Bus Preachers
The renewed enforcement presents an economic challenge for evangelists who rely on monetary donations from passengers. Boateng Bismark James, a 61-year-old pastor at Gospel Light church who has preached on commercial vehicles leaving the Neoplan station in Accra since 2023, stated that he was shaken by the regulation. He explained that the monetary gifts offered by passengers help support his family and fund his children’s education, noting that half of the financial support for his youngest child’s university education came from his preaching. Boateng and other affected preachers have requested government exemptions that would allow them to preach on buses before departure or on specific routes.
Differing Perspectives Among Religious Leaders
Religious figures hold differing views on the updated traffic rules. Rev. Enoch Paul Hayes, a senior pastor at the International Central Gospel Church, stated that he did not believe the regulations infringed upon religious freedom, urging pastors to respect the law and utilize alternative platforms such as social media to reach audiences according to The Star.
Although Ghana’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, those rights remain subject to public safety considerations. The initial 2012 prohibition carried penalties of up to 30 days in prison, but weak enforcement allowed bus preaching to remain widespread. Current regulations do not affect preachers using megaphones in markets and lorry parks, leaving bus evangelists to choose between adapting their ministry, seeking alternative income, or risking legal penalties.