Rev. Bempah vows church will defy bus preaching ban as Ghana enforces new traffic law

Reverend Dr Kwadwo Boateng Bempah, head pastor of Holy Hill Chapel of the Assemblies of God, has declared his church will continue preaching on public transport regardless of Ghana's newly enforced restrictions on religious activity in moving vehicles. In a strongly worded message to his congregation, Rev. Bempah vowed the church cannot be silenced and will preach "wherever human beings gather."

The pastor's defiant stance comes after the amended Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519) came into effect, formally prohibiting preaching and hawking on public service vehicles whilst in motion. The regulation carries significant penalties: offenders face fines of between 10 and 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both. The law itself dates to 2012 but has only now been actively enforced, with the recent amendment increasing the maximum prison sentence from three to eight months.

"Wherever human beings gather, we will preach. Wherever human beings gather, the word must go forth," Rev. Bempah declared, suggesting the church views the restriction as an attempt to "gag" religious expression. He questioned the logic of singling out preaching when other public activities continue unchecked, rhetorically asking why buses should be off-limits when "they didn't buy the bus for somebody."

The legal framework

Ghana's transport sector has long grappled with managing activities on moving vehicles. Preaching, hawking, and performances on tro-tros and buses have been common sights for decades, with some passengers welcoming spiritual messages whilst others find them intrusive. The new regulations represent an attempt to regulate these activities through law enforcement rather than custom.

Authorities have indicated the restrictions aim to improve passenger safety and reduce distractions during transit. However, the law's application raises questions about religious freedom and how regulations should balance public order with constitutional protections for worship and free expression. Rev. Bempah's public defiance signals potential tension between enforcement agencies and religious organisations over implementation.

Why it matters for Ghana

This development touches on fundamental issues facing Ghanaian society. The country's constitution guarantees freedom of religion and conscience, yet the new regulations demonstrate government intent to limit religious activity in public spaces. How this conflict is resolved will set precedent for religious practice in Ghana.

The situation also reflects broader debates about urban order, passenger rights, and cultural norms. Many Ghanaians use public transport daily, and attitudes toward preaching vary widely—some find it spiritually uplifting, others see it as harassment. The enforcement could either ease tensions or spark conflict depending on how strictly authorities apply penalties.

Additionally, Rev. Bempah's willingness to publicly challenge the law signals that religious institutions may resist enforcement. This could lead to confrontations with transport authorities and police, potentially affecting the livelihoods of informal preachers who rely on buses to spread their message. The church's response will likely influence how other religious groups approach the regulation.

The broader context

Ghana has experienced recurring tensions between religious freedom and public order regulations. Previous controversies involving street preaching, religious gatherings, and noise pollution have prompted calls for better regulation. This law represents one such attempt, though its enforcement will reveal whether it commands public support or faces organised resistance from the religious community and their adherents.