Senior Pastor of Holy Hill Chapel Assemblies of God, Rev Dr Kwadwo Boateng Bempah, has spoken out against the government's new ban on preaching in moving commercial vehicles. The ban is part of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), which aims to promote road safety. Under Regulation 141, causing a nuisance, including preaching or hawking, inside a moving public or commercial vehicle is an offence, punishable by a fine of 10 to 50 penalty units, a jail term of up to eight months, or both.
Rev Bempah questioned the restriction on preaching in moving commercial vehicles, arguing that the church should not keep quiet when it believes its ability to spread the gospel is being restricted. He pointed to other forms of public noise, including loudspeakers used in the early hours of the morning, and asked why preaching in buses should be singled out. The pastor emphasized that wherever human beings gather, the word must go forth.
The ban on preaching in moving commercial vehicles has drawn mixed reactions from the public. A Ghanaian lawyer explained in 2023 that people who preach in commercial vehicles could be arrested or jailed, sparking a heated debate on social media. While some individuals agree that Christians should keep preaching, others urge Rev Bempah to respect the law. The pastor has urged Christians not to compromise their beliefs simply to please other people, insisting that believers should put God first.
Rev Bempah's remarks have sparked a lively discussion on social media, with many netizens sharing their opinions on the pastor's stance. Some have argued that preaching in buses can be a nuisance to other passengers, while others believe that the government is overstepping its bounds by restricting freedom of religion. The pastor has declared that he will continue to preach, saying "Never please people to displease God."
The Instagram video of Rev Bempah speaking against the ban on preaching in commercial vehicles has garnered significant attention. In the video, the pastor quoted Psalm 68:1 and emphasized that the church should not be silenced. While some individuals have expressed support for the pastor's stance, others have cautioned him to educate himself on the law.
Public transport fares in Ghana have recently increased by 8%, following an agreement between the Ministry of Transport and transport operator groups. The increase was attributed to rising operational costs, including vehicle maintenance and spare parts. The ban on preaching in moving commercial vehicles and the increase in public transport fares have sparked concerns about the impact on daily life in Ghana.
The government's ban on preaching in moving commercial vehicles is part of a broader effort to promote road safety. However, some individuals believe that the ban infringes on freedom of religion and expression. As the debate continues, Rev Bempah's comments have highlighted the complexities of balancing individual rights with public safety concerns.
Key points
- Rev Kwadwo Boateng Bempah challenges government's ban on preaching in moving commercial vehicles.
- The ban is part of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), aimed at promoting road safety.
- The pastor's remarks have sparked a lively discussion on social media about freedom of religion and the law.
