The Head Pastor of Holy Hill Chapel of the Assemblies of God, Rev. Kwadwo Boateng Bempah, has expressed concerns over Ghana's amended Road Traffic Regulations Act, which prohibits preaching in moving public service vehicles. He described the restriction as an attempt to gag the church. Rev. Bempah made these remarks in a message delivered to his congregation and widely circulated on social media. The new regulations also prohibit hawking on buses in motion.
Rev. Bempah questioned why preaching on buses is prohibited while other people continue to use loudspeakers in public spaces. He emphasized that the church will not remain silent or stop spreading the gospel despite the new restriction. According to him, efforts to stop the practice would not succeed, and the church would continue to reach people wherever they gather.
The amended Road Traffic Regulations Act, 2026 (L.I. 2519), stipulates that persons found preaching in moving public or commercial vehicles may face a fine of between 10 and 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both. Rev. Bempah insisted that the church would continue to preach, even at the back of Okada, and that they would not be silenced.
Rev. Bempah cautioned Christians against compromising their faith to please others, stating that they should never please people to displease God. His comments have sparked a wider debate about the role of the church in public spaces and the limits of free speech.
The restriction on preaching in moving vehicles is part of a broader effort to regulate public service vehicles in Ghana. The regulations aim to promote road safety and reduce distractions for drivers. However, Rev. Bempah and other critics argue that the restrictions infringe on the church's right to spread its message.
The Assemblies of God church has been actively involved in various social and community activities in Ghana. Rev. Bempah's comments reflect the church's commitment to its mission and its willingness to engage with the government and other stakeholders on issues of public concern.
The issue has sparked a national conversation about the balance between public order and the freedom of expression. As the church and other stakeholders continue to engage with the government on this issue, it remains to be seen how the regulations will be enforced and what impact they will have on the church and other groups.
Key points
- Rev. Kwadwo Bempah criticizes Ghana's new traffic regulations restricting preaching in moving public vehicles.
- The amended Road Traffic Regulations Act prohibits preaching and hawking on public service vehicles while in motion.
- Rev. Bempah argues that the restrictions are an attempt to gag the church and will not succeed.
