The Head Pastor of Holy Hill Chapel of the Assemblies of God, Rev. Kwadwo Boateng Bempah, has criticised the government’s new restrictions on preaching in moving public vehicles, insisting that the church will continue to spread the Gospel wherever people gather.
Speaking in a message to his congregation that has since circulated widely on social media, Rev. Bempah argued that the Ghana preaching ban on public vehicles amounts to an attempt to silence the church.
According to the pastor, Christians should not remain silent when measures are introduced that could limit their ability to evangelise.
He questioned why preaching on buses and trotros should be prohibited when other forms of public announcements and activities continue in public spaces.
Rev. Bempah maintained that the Christian faith must be preached wherever people can be reached, including schools, vehicles and other public places.
He further stated that the church must remain vocal in sharing the message of Jesus Christ, stressing that attempts to prevent Christians from preaching would not succeed.
Rev. Bempah Calls for Bold Evangelism
The Assemblies of God pastor also urged Christians to remain bold in their faith and avoid compromising their religious convictions merely to satisfy public opinion.
He argued that Christianity became established in Ghana because earlier missionaries and Christians were willing to actively spread the Gospel.
Rev. Bempah said the church should therefore remain grateful and committed to evangelism rather than becoming silent.
His comments have reignited the debate over religious freedom in Ghana, particularly the balance between Christian evangelism, passenger comfort and road safety.
Ghana’s New Ban on Preaching in Public Vehicles
The comments come after the implementation of new provisions under Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), which prohibit preaching and hawking inside public service vehicles while they are in motion.
The regulation classifies activities such as preaching and hawking on moving vehicles as a nuisance, with authorities citing the safety and comfort of passengers as key considerations.
Under the new rules, a person who preaches inside a moving public or commercial vehicle, including buses and trotros, could face a fine ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units, equivalent to approximately GH¢120 to GH¢600, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both.
The legislation has sparked widespread discussion about the future of preaching on commercial buses in Ghana.
Debate Over Trotro Preaching and Religious Freedom
Preaching on public transport remains a common practice in Ghana, particularly on long-distance buses and commercial vehicles.
Preachers often move through the aisles or stand near the entrance of buses while delivering religious messages. Some passengers voluntarily contribute money to support their evangelistic activities.
Supporters of the practice argue that evangelism is a fundamental Christian responsibility and that religious expression should be protected under Ghana’s constitutional provisions on freedom of religion.
Opponents, however, say preaching inside moving vehicles can disturb passengers and potentially create safety concerns, particularly if the activity distracts drivers or obstructs movement inside the vehicle.
History of Ghana’s Ban on Bus Preaching
The restriction is not entirely new. Preaching on commercial buses was first prohibited in Ghana in 2012, with offenders at the time facing a maximum of 30 days in prison.
However, enforcement of the earlier regulation was limited, and preaching on buses and trotros continued across the country.
The latest Ghana Road Traffic Regulations introduce significantly tougher penalties as authorities seek to enforce the restriction more effectively.
The ban, however, does not prevent preachers from using megaphones at lorry parks, markets and other public spaces, meaning outdoor evangelism remains permitted.
The controversy surrounding Rev. Bempah’s comments is therefore expected to continue as Ghana balances road safety, passenger comfort, public order and freedom of religious worship.
Source: newsthemegh.com