The government has suspended the implementation of a controversial provision restricting preaching and hawking in moving public and commercial vehicles following public criticism and concerns raised by religious leaders and other stakeholders.

The suspension is due to the growing debate over Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519).  The development comes after President John Dramani Mahama clarified that the government had not imposed a blanket ban on preaching in vehicles. He explained that the restriction concerned preaching and selling items inside vehicles while they were in motion, rather than when they were stationary at terminals or loading points.

Public Concerns Trigger Review

The provision attracted criticism from some religious leaders and members of the public, who expressed concerns that its enforcement could affect evangelism and religious expression, particularly on commercial buses and trotros.

Assin South Member of Parliament and pastor, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, was among those who publicly challenged the restriction and appealed to the President to intervene.

The controversy centred on the potential consequences for people who preach or sell goods inside moving public transport vehicles, with the regulation prescribing fines and possible imprisonment for offenders.

What the Regulation Provides

Regulation 141 of L.I. 2519 prohibits causing or permitting a nuisance, including preaching and hawking, in public or commercial vehicles while they are in motion.

Under the provision, offenders face a fine ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both. With one penalty unit valued at GH¢12, the fine ranges from GH¢120 to GH¢600. 

The restriction is not entirely new. Legal commentary published by ChannelOne News indicates that similar conduct was already prohibited under Regulation 116 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180). The 2026 regulations, however, provide for a longer maximum prison term. 

Government Yet to Clarify Next Steps

Although the suspension has been reported, the government had not publicly outlined its duration or indicated whether it would amend or repeal the provision.

The reported decision is therefore a pause in implementation, rather than confirmation that the legal restriction has been permanently removed.

Meanwhile, the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana has opposed the suspension and indicated that it will continue to prohibit preaching and hawking in vehicles operated by its members, citing passenger safety and comfort. 

The government's next steps will be closely watched as consultations continue over the balance between road safety, passenger comfort and religious expression.

For now, the key development is that the government has suspended implementation of the disputed provision, while the future of the regulation remains subject to further clarification.