The Ghanaian government has suspended the implementation of a regulation that prohibited preaching and hawking in moving public service vehicles. This decision was confirmed by a high-ranking government source, following widespread public debate and concerns raised by religious leaders and stakeholders. The regulation, part of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), had sparked criticism over its implications for religious expression and evangelism in commercial vehicles.
The suspended regulation, specifically Regulation 141, imposed a fine of between 10 and 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both, for causing or permitting a nuisance, including preaching and hawking, on a public or commercial vehicle while in motion. With one penalty unit valued at GH¢12, the fine ranged from GH¢120 to GH¢600. This move was intended to improve discipline and safety on Ghana's roads as part of broader reforms.
The government has yet to provide further details on the suspension or indicate when a decision on the regulation will be communicated. The suspension allows for further consideration of the measure and the concerns surrounding its implementation. The renewed public attention on the provision has triggered debate about religious expression, the everyday culture of public transport, and the enforcement of traffic rules.
The Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), aimed to strengthen road safety, improve enforcement, and ensure road users understand their responsibilities. The regulations include automated traffic enforcement, a demerit-point system linked to driving licences, and tougher penalties for certain traffic offences. The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, launched a nationwide public education campaign in September to familiarise road users and transport operators with the new framework.
The restriction on preaching and hawking applies to specified activities when a public or commercial vehicle is moving and covers these activities as forms of nuisance, not directed at any particular religion. The regulation also applies to people who sell goods to passengers inside moving commercial vehicles. This move is part of efforts to improve road safety and discipline.
The nationwide sensitisation campaign aims to help drivers, passengers, transport operators, and other road users understand the revised regulations. The campaign educates the public on the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153), and L.I. 2519. The government seeks to ensure that road users are aware of their responsibilities and the implications of non-compliance.
The suspension of the ban on bus preaching and hawking has provided temporary relief to those affected. The government's decision to suspend the regulation allows for further engagement with stakeholders and consideration of the concerns raised. The outcome of this process and the future of the regulation remain to be seen.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has suspended a regulation banning preaching and hawking in moving public service vehicles amid public debate and concerns over religious expression.
- The suspended regulation imposed significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for those found guilty of causing a nuisance on public or commercial vehicles.
- The government aims to improve road safety and discipline through the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), and a nationwide public education campaign.
