President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that the government has not imposed a blanket ban on preaching in vehicles, explaining that the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), are designed to protect the safety of drivers and passengers.
The President’s remarks follow public criticism of Regulation 141, which prohibits preaching and hawking inside public and commercial vehicles while they are in motion.
Speaking for the first time on the controversy, President Mahama explained that preaching and selling activities inside moving vehicles could distract drivers and expose passengers, religious preachers and traders to road safety risks.
He stressed that the regulation does not prevent religious leaders from preaching in vehicles that are stationary.
“It has come to my attention that there is a perception that we have banned preaching in vehicles. What we are saying is that no one should preach or sell in a moving vehicle. Regardless of your faith, you cannot preach in a moving vehicle, but you can preach when the vehicle is stationed. It is not true that we have banned preaching in vehicles,” he stated.
Ghana Government Explains Road Traffic Regulations 2026
Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), prohibits preaching and hawking in public and commercial vehicles while they are moving.
Under the provision, individuals who violate the regulation could face fines ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both penalties.
The government’s position is that the restriction is intended to minimise distractions on the road and improve road safety rather than restrict religious activities or freedom of worship.
President Mahama’s explanation seeks to address concerns that the new road traffic law could prevent religious leaders from sharing their faith during commercial transport journeys.
Religious Leaders Raise Concerns Over Preaching Restrictions
The regulation has generated public debate, with some religious leaders and members of the public expressing concerns about its potential impact on evangelism, religious expression and freedom of worship.
Critics have questioned how the restriction could affect preachers who use public transport as an avenue to share religious messages with passengers.
However, President Mahama maintained that the distinction is between preaching in a moving vehicle and preaching when a vehicle is parked or stationary.
The clarification comes as the government engages in further consultations following the public reaction to the controversial provision.
Government Suspends Implementation of Preaching Ban Provision
Meanwhile, the government has suspended the implementation of the provision in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, that prohibits preaching and hawking in moving public and commercial vehicles.
Citi News confirmed the suspension amid growing public discussion surrounding the regulation and its implications for religious activities in Ghana.
The suspension comes as authorities consider concerns raised by religious groups and other stakeholders over the enforcement of Regulation 141.
The development is expected to provide an opportunity for further engagement on how the road safety objectives of L.I. 2519 can be balanced with concerns about religious expression and public activities.
The government’s next steps will be closely watched by religious organisations, commercial transport operators, road users and members of the public as discussions over the regulation continue.
Source: newsthemegh.com