Omanghana
President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed suggestions that the government has imposed a blanket ban on preaching in vehicles, explaining that the restriction applies to public and commercial vehicles while they are moving.
Responding to public criticism, the President said the measure seeks to protect drivers and passengers from distractions and other safety risks. He explained that preaching and selling can take place when vehicles are stationary but must cease once a journey begins.
“It is not true that we have banned preaching in vehicles,” he stated.
Mahama said the restriction applies regardless of religious affiliation. He warned that a driver’s attention could shift towards a sermon, while a preacher or trader standing inside a moving vehicle could fall if the driver brakes suddenly.
The provision is contained in Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519). It prohibits preaching and hawking in moving public and commercial vehicles, with prescribed penalties of between 10 and 50 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120 to GH¢600, imprisonment of up to eight months, or both.
Some religious leaders and members of the public have challenged the restriction, arguing that it could limit evangelism and religious expression on public transport.
Citi News reports that the government has suspended implementation of the provision while further consultations take place. Details of the suspension, including whether the discussions will result in changes to the regulation or its enforcement, have yet to be publicly outlined.
Source: Omanghana
