President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that the government's restriction on preaching in vehicles applies only to moving public and commercial vehicles. He emphasized that people are permitted to preach when a vehicle is stationary, stressing that the measure aims to address safety concerns rather than prevent religious activities. Mahama's clarification comes amid public criticism of Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026.
The regulation, which prescribes fines of GH¢120 to GH¢600, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both for offenders, has sparked debate among religious leaders and the public. They have expressed concerns that it could limit evangelism and religious expression, particularly on commercial buses and tro-tros. Since the announcement in September, there has been significant backlash against the provision.
Mahama stated that the restriction is not intended to ban preaching in vehicles entirely. He explained that regardless of faith, individuals cannot preach in a moving vehicle, but they can do so when the vehicle is stationed. The President's clarification aims to alleviate concerns that the government is restricting religious freedom.
The government's decision to restrict preaching in moving vehicles has been met with resistance from some Members of Parliament and religious leaders. On October 8, Assin South MP and pastor Rev. John Ntim Fordjour appealed to Mahama to intervene and scrap the restriction. He questioned why preaching on commercial buses should be treated as a nuisance.
Rev. Fordjour warned that the provision could expose pastors and evangelists to imprisonment for sharing their faith. In response to the public backlash, the government has suspended the implementation of the provision, although the full details of the decision remain unclear. The suspension has provided temporary relief to those concerned about the restriction.
Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, specifically prohibits preaching and hawking in public or commercial vehicles while they are in motion. Offenders face a fine of between 10 and 50 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120 to GH¢600, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both. The regulation aims to promote road safety, but its implementation has been contentious.
The clarification by President Mahama has provided some assurance to religious leaders and the public that the government is not seeking to restrict religious activities entirely. However, the debate surrounding the regulation highlights the need for a balanced approach to promoting road safety while protecting freedom of expression and religion.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has suspended the implementation of Regulation 141 following public criticism.
- President Mahama has clarified that preaching is allowed in stationary vehicles.
- The regulation aims to address safety concerns, not restrict religious activities.
