The government of Ghana has suspended the implementation of a controversial provision in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), which prohibits preaching and hawking in moving public and commercial vehicles.
The development follows growing public debate over the regulation and its potential impact on religious freedom and evangelism in commercial buses.
According to reports, the suspension affects Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, which prohibits conduct considered a nuisance, including preaching and hawking, inside public or commercial vehicles while they are in motion.
Ghana Suspends Enforcement of Regulation on Bus Preaching
The decision comes after concerns were raised by religious leaders, evangelists and other stakeholders about the implications of the regulation for Christian evangelism and religious activities on public transport.
Preaching on commercial buses is a familiar practice in Ghana, where some religious leaders use public transportation as an opportunity to share their faith with passengers. The restriction had therefore triggered discussions about balancing road safety, public order and freedom of religious expression.
What Does Regulation 141 of L.I. 2519 Say?
Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, seeks to prevent conduct classified as a nuisance in moving public and commercial vehicles. The provision specifically includes preaching and hawking among the prohibited activities.
Under the regulation, offenders could face a fine ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both, according to the reported provisions.
The suspension has attracted attention from the public, particularly religious organisations, commercial drivers and passengers who are interested in how the law will be implemented.
Will the Government Review the Road Traffic Regulations?
It remains unclear whether the suspension will result in a formal review of Regulation 141 or changes to the way the provision is enforced.
As of the time of reporting, the government had not issued a public statement providing full details of the suspension, including its duration and any possible amendments to the regulation.
The development is expected to keep public discussion alive around religious freedom in Ghana, preaching on commercial buses, road traffic regulations and government transport policies.
Readers are encouraged to follow official government announcements for further clarification on the suspension and the next steps regarding L.I. 2519.
Source: newsthemegh.com