The government has suspended the implementation of a provision in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, that prohibits preaching and hawking in moving public and commercial vehicles.
The decision follows public debate over the regulation, particularly concerns about its implications for religious expression and evangelism in commercial vehicles, where preaching is a common practice.
The provision, contained in Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2519, prohibits causing or permitting a nuisance, including preaching and hawking, in a public or commercial vehicle while it is in motion.
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Under the regulation, offenders face a fine of between 10 and 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both.
The restriction has attracted attention from religious leaders and other stakeholders, who have raised concerns about how its enforcement could affect religious activities conducted on public transport.
Preaching aboard commercial vehicles is a familiar feature of public transport in Ghana, with some religious speakers using bus journeys to share their messages with passengers.
The suspension is expected to ease immediate concerns surrounding the implementation of the provision while questions remain about the government’s next steps.
However, it remains unclear whether the decision will lead to a formal review of Regulation 141, an amendment to the legislation or changes to how the provision is enforced.
The government is yet to issue a public statement outlining the full details of the suspension, including its duration and the arrangements governing enforcement during the period.
Further clarification is therefore expected on the status of the provision and whether additional measures will be introduced to address the concerns raised by stakeholders.