Government Suspends Ban on Bus Preaching and Hawking Amid Religious Concerns

Ghana's government has temporarily halted enforcement of a regulation prohibiting preaching and hawking in moving public service vehicles, marking a significant reversal following sustained criticism from religious leaders and civil society stakeholders. The decision comes as the authorities reconsider the controversial measure, which had sparked heated debate over religious freedom and the cultural practices deeply embedded in Ghana's transport system.

The suspended regulation, contained in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), initially stipulated that individuals engaging in preaching or selling goods to passengers whilst vehicles are in motion could face fines ranging from GH¢120 to GH¢600, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both. The provision represented a significant toughening of penalties compared to the earlier regulatory framework, which carried a maximum fine of 50 penalty units but no custodial sentence.

The Background: Road Safety Meets Religious Practice

The regulations emerged as part of a broader government initiative to enhance road safety and discipline across Ghana's transport sector. Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe launched a nationwide public education campaign in September to acquaint road users and operators with the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153) and the associated regulations. The government framed the new framework as essential for strengthening enforcement mechanisms and clarifying the responsibilities of all road users.

However, the specific prohibition on preaching and hawking proved immediately controversial. In Ghana's bustling public transport network—particularly in tro-tros and intercity buses—these activities have long formed part of the cultural fabric. Religious preaching, in particular, represents a significant aspect of faith practice and community engagement for many Ghanaians, whilst informal hawking provides livelihoods for countless vendors. The regulation threatened both, without exemptions for stationary or brief periods within moving vehicles.

Why This Matters for Ghana

The suspension reveals a critical tension between modernisation and cultural preservation in Ghana's governance. The government's road safety agenda is legitimate—Ghana has recorded thousands of road fatalities annually, and distraction remains a contributing factor. Yet implementing such measures without adequate consultation with religious communities and transport stakeholders created unnecessary conflict.

For Ghanaians, this development signals several important points. Firstly, it demonstrates that sustained public advocacy and stakeholder engagement can influence policy reversal, even after regulations receive legislative approval. Secondly, it underscores the necessity for government to balance infrastructure and safety improvements with respect for religious expression and livelihoods. Thirdly, the pause suggests that further deliberation will occur—but without timelines or public communication from the government, uncertainty persists for transport operators, vendors and religious groups alike.

The broader road safety reforms remain in place, including automated traffic enforcement systems, demerit-point schemes linked to driving licences, and stricter penalties for serious violations. These measures can coexist with more nuanced approaches to regulating behaviour in public transport.

What Happens Next?

The government has not provided a timeline for reaching a final decision on the regulation or details on how concerns will be addressed. This ambiguity creates challenges for enforcement officers, transport operators and users who remain unclear on what is legally permissible. A more transparent consultative process involving the Ministry of Transport, religious bodies, transport unions, and civil society organisations would help craft a regulation that achieves road safety objectives without unnecessarily restricting lawful religious practice or economic activities.

As Ghana continues modernising its transport infrastructure and safety systems, the suspension of the preaching and hawking ban offers an opportunity to demonstrate that effective governance requires balancing competing interests through inclusive dialogue rather than top-down restrictions.