The Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), which recently came into effect, have generated significant discussion on social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and TikTok. The regulations, which replace the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), aim to promote road safety and order. Specifically, the ban on hawking and preaching in moving vehicles has drawn reactions from various sections of the public.
The new regulations were necessitated by the passage of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153), which was assented to by the President on 24 December 2025. The regulations were subsequently approved by Parliament on 28 May 2026. According to the regulations, offenders may face varying penalty regimes, including fines, terms of imprisonment, or both.
Some individuals, including a Senior Pastor of the Holy Hill Chapel Assemblies of God, Rev. Kwadwo Boateng Bempah, have expressed concerns over the ban on preaching in moving vehicles. In a widely circulated video, Rev. Bempah argued that the ban was an attempt to restrict the church's freedom to spread its message. He drew parallels with loudspeakers used by others early in the morning.
Member of Parliament for the Assin South Constituency, John Ntim Fordjour, also weighed in on the debate, criticizing the ban as an attempt to "shut the mouth of the church." He questioned the government's motives, suggesting that the regulation was an overreach of authority. In contrast, the Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., defended the government's position, highlighting the diversity of religions and the need for regulations.
Following widespread criticism, reports emerged on October 9, 2026, that the government had suspended the ban on hawking and preaching in moving vehicles. However, President Mahama clarified that this was not the case, stating that the ban only applied to moving vehicles, not those at stations. He emphasized that the regulation aimed to prevent distractions to drivers and ensure public safety.
According to a post on X by Africa Facts Zone, individuals who engage in hawking and preaching in public transport risk facing a $52 fine, an eight-month jail term, or both. The regulation, titled "Regulation 141," outlines the specific prohibitions and penalties for offenders.
The controversy surrounding the ban on hawking and preaching in moving vehicles highlights the complexities of balancing public safety with individual freedoms. As the government continues to engage with stakeholders, it remains to be seen how the regulations will be enforced and what impact they will have on the public.
Key points
- The new traffic regulations in Ghana have sparked debate over the ban on hawking and preaching in moving vehicles.
- The ban aims to promote road safety and prevent distractions to drivers.
- Offenders may face penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
