Reverend Kwadwo Boateng Bempah, Head Pastor of the Holy Hill Chapel of the Assemblies of God, has stated that the government's attempt to ban preaching in public vehicles will not succeed. In a message to his congregation, widely circulated on social media, Rev. Bempah said the church would not be silenced and that the word of God must go forth wherever people gather. He argued that attempts to stop preaching in buses are an attempt to gag the church.
The government's new law, which came into force recently, prohibits preaching and hawking on public service vehicles while they are in motion. The regulation classifies preaching and hawking on moving vehicles as a nuisance and cites the safety and comfort of passengers. Anyone found preaching in a public service vehicle faces up to eight months in prison, a fine of up to GHS600, or both. The law has sparked debate, with critics arguing that preaching on moving vehicles is a nuisance and a safety risk.
Rev. Bempah's remarks reflect the sentiments of many Christians in Ghana, who see evangelism as a core part of their faith. He argued that if those who brought Christianity to Ghana had behaved quietly, the faith would never have reached the country. The pastor urged his congregation to be loud and not to please people at the expense of their faith. He also criticized educated Christians who might analyze the situation and argue against preaching in public vehicles.
The practice of preaching in public vehicles remains widespread in Ghana, particularly on long-distance buses. Preachers often stand in the stairwell or walk along the aisle, and some passengers offer money to support their endeavours. While some see it as a nuisance, others view it as an essential part of Ghanaian culture and Christian tradition. The government has been trying to regulate the practice for years, with limited success.
The new law increases the penalties for those who flout the ban on preaching in public vehicles. Preachers using megaphones at lorry parks and markets are not affected by the ban. The government has been trying to balance the right to freedom of worship with concerns about public safety and comfort. However, Rev. Bempah and others argue that the ban is an attack on their right to express their faith.
The debate over the ban on preaching in public vehicles highlights the complex relationship between faith and public life in Ghana. As a predominantly Christian country, Ghana has a long tradition of public evangelism. However, the government has a responsibility to ensure public safety and comfort. The issue is likely to continue to spark debate and controversy in the coming months.
Rev. Bempah's congregation and other Christians in Ghana are likely to continue to test the limits of the new law. While some may face prosecution, others may find creative ways to continue preaching in public vehicles. The government will need to navigate this complex issue carefully to balance competing interests and rights.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has introduced a new law banning preaching and hawking on public service vehicles.
- Reverend Kwadwo Boateng Bempah has vowed to defy the ban, citing Christian duty and freedom of worship.
- The ban has sparked debate about the balance between freedom of worship and public safety in Ghana.
