Ghana suspends enforcement of ban on bus preaching and hawking following religious backlash

The Ghanaian government has suspended enforcement of a controversial traffic regulation that prohibits preaching and hawking inside moving commercial vehicles, following widespread public opposition and concerns from religious leaders about restrictions on religious expression.

The decision to suspend implementation of the provision under the Road Traffic Regulations 2026 (L.I. 2519) was confirmed to MyJoyOnline.com by a senior government source, though no official public announcement has yet been made. The suspension is intended to allow the government to reconsider the measure in light of stakeholder concerns, particularly from churches and religious organisations.

What the regulation entails

Under Regulation 141 of L.I. 2519, preaching and hawking in moving vehicles were classified as nuisances, with violators facing fines of between GH¢120 and GH¢600 (equivalent to 10 to 50 penalty units at GH¢12 per unit), imprisonment for up to eight months, or both. The regulation applied specifically to activities conducted while a public or commercial vehicle is in motion, covering religious preaching, street evangelism and the selling of goods to passengers by hawkers.

The provision triggered significant backlash, particularly from religious denominations across Ghana, with prominent pastors including Rev. Kwadwo Bempah publicly challenging the restriction and vowing not to comply. Concerns centred on the potential infringement of religious freedoms and the practical impact on the everyday culture of Ghana's bustling minibus and tro-tro transport system, where preaching and informal commerce are commonplace activities.

Understanding the tighter penalties

Importantly, the actual prohibition on preaching and hawking in moving vehicles is not new. Regulation 116 of L.I. 2180, which has been in force since 2012, already banned these activities as forms of nuisance. The significant change introduced by L.I. 2519 was not the ban itself but the increased penalties. The new regulations raised the maximum prison sentence from an unspecified term to eight months, whilst maintaining the fine range of 10 to 50 penalty units.

The Road Traffic Regulations 2026 form part of a broader government initiative to strengthen road safety and discipline. Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe launched a nationwide public education campaign in September to familiarise road users and transport operators with the new legal framework, including additional reforms such as automated traffic enforcement, a demerit-point system linked to driving licences, and tougher penalties for traffic violations.

Why this matters for Ghana

The suspension reflects the government's recognition of the cultural and religious sensitivity surrounding the regulation. Public transport in Ghana, particularly tro-tros and commercial minibuses, is deeply embedded in the social fabric. These vehicles serve not only as means of transport but as informal spaces where religious expression, community interaction and informal commerce occur naturally. Any attempt to restrict these activities must account for their cultural significance and widespread acceptance among Ghanaians.

The government's decision to pause enforcement also suggests that further consultation with stakeholders—including religious bodies, transport associations and civil society—may be necessary before any final decision is made. The suspension provides an opportunity to revisit whether blanket restrictions on preaching and hawking are the most effective or culturally appropriate way to address road safety concerns, or whether alternative measures might better balance the objectives of improved discipline with respect for religious freedom and traditional transport culture.

No timeline has been announced for when a final decision on the regulation will be communicated to the public.