Before the morning rush begins at the Neoplan Bus Station in Accra, the sound of Christian praise and worship fills the air as a group of worshippers gather to pray before embarking on an evangelism mission on commercial buses.
Led by 61-year-old pastor Boateng Bismark James, the group of 13 Christians — nine men and four women — prays for drivers and passengers preparing to travel to different parts of Ghana.
Ghana is predominantly Christian, and preaching on public transport has for many years been a familiar part of daily life. On long-distance buses, pastors and evangelists regularly deliver sermons to passengers, read Bible passages and encourage travellers to turn away from sin.
However, a new law regulating preaching on moving commercial vehicles in Ghana could bring an end to the long-standing practice.
Ghana’s New Ban on Preaching on Moving Vehicles
Under the new regulation passed by Parliament in May, individuals who preach or engage in hawking on public service vehicles while the vehicles are in motion could face up to eight months in prison, a fine of up to $52, or both.
Authorities say the regulation is aimed at preventing activities considered a nuisance and protecting the safety, comfort and convenience of passengers.
The enforcement of the new rules in recent weeks has generated debate about the balance between public safety and religious freedom in Ghana.
Pastor Boateng, who has preached on commercial buses departing from the Neoplan Bus Station since 2023, says his ministry is intended to reach people who may not have the opportunity to attend church.
“I preach on commercial vehicles because not everyone is able to go to church on Sunday,” he explained in Twi.
According to the pastor, many passengers need to hear messages about salvation and repentance. He also claims that his ministry sometimes involves praying for and helping sick passengers.
Bus Evangelism Has Been Common in Ghana
Wearing a clerical shirt, Pastor Boateng moves around buses loading passengers before boarding a vehicle travelling from Accra to Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city.
Because of the new regulation, the pastor speaks with passengers before the bus begins its journey.
While some passengers listen attentively to his message, others choose to concentrate on their phones, make calls or engage in conversations with fellow travellers.
Boateng says some passengers have told him that his preaching introduced them to biblical teachings they had never encountered in church.
The practice has traditionally involved pastors standing near the front of buses or walking through the aisle while delivering sermons. On some journeys, preaching can continue for several hours.
Passengers have also sometimes offered financial contributions to bus preachers, providing income to support their ministries and families.
Passengers Divided Over Preaching on Public Transport
The new Ghana bus preaching regulation has divided public opinion.
Supporters of the restriction argue that preaching on moving buses can become disruptive and potentially distract drivers. They also say passengers should be able to travel without being subjected to loud sermons or other unsolicited activities.
One passenger, identified as Chery Lokko, said she prefers travelling in a quiet environment.
She complained that some preachers can be excessively loud and that passengers sitting nearby may be affected by saliva while the preacher speaks.
However, other passengers believe evangelism on public transport can provide encouragement and hope, particularly for people experiencing difficult circumstances.
Bernice Nartey, a passenger travelling to Kumasi, said pastors should be permitted to preach if passengers agree to listen.
She believes Christian messages can encourage people to repent and provide hope to passengers dealing with stress and personal challenges.
Social Media Video Highlights Tension
The controversy surrounding preaching on commercial buses in Ghana has also gained attention on social media.
In a widely circulated video, a passenger on a minibus is seen confronting a pastor who attempts to board the vehicle to preach.
The passenger repeatedly orders the pastor to get off the bus, highlighting the growing tension between passengers who welcome public evangelism and those who prefer a quiet journey.
Pastor Calls for Exemption for Bus Preachers
Pastor Boateng says the new regulation has created significant concern among Christian preachers who depend partly on donations received from passengers.
He is calling on the government to consider an exemption that would allow pastors to preach on buses before they leave Accra or at designated points.
For Boateng, bus evangelism is both a religious calling and a source of income.
He says money received from preaching has helped him support his children’s education, including his youngest child’s university education.
“We are very worried,” he said, arguing that many pastors depend on financial gifts from passengers to support their families.
Religious Freedom Versus Public Safety
Ghana’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and religious worship, although such rights are subject to considerations including public safety and other lawful restrictions.
The debate over bus preaching therefore raises broader questions about how Ghana can balance religious freedom, passenger rights and public safety.
Preaching on commercial buses was first prohibited in Ghana in 2012, when offenders could face up to 30 days in prison. Enforcement, however, was limited, allowing the practice to remain widespread, particularly on long-distance buses.
The latest regulation increases the penalties for individuals who violate the ban.
Church Leaders Urge Pastors to Respect the Law
Although preachers using loudspeakers remain common at lorry parks and markets, the new restriction specifically targets preaching and hawking on vehicles while they are moving.
The Christian Council of Ghana did not respond to requests for comment. However, Rev. Enoch Paul Hayes, a senior pastor at the International Central Gospel Church, said he does not believe the regulation necessarily violates religious freedom.
He urged pastors to respect the law and explore alternative methods of spreading the Christian message.
According to him, social media and digital platforms provide opportunities for churches and evangelists to reach thousands of people without preaching on moving vehicles.
Future of Bus Evangelism in Ghana Uncertain
The new Ghana public transport preaching ban leaves bus evangelists facing difficult decisions about how to continue their ministries.
For pastors such as Boateng, the issue involves more than the freedom to preach. It also concerns a long-established form of Christian evangelism and, for some preachers, an important source of financial support.
As enforcement of the regulation increases, Ghana’s ongoing debate over public transport, religious freedom, passenger rights and public safety is likely to continue.
Source: newsthemegh.com