Ghana News / Religion
A new regulation in Ghana is tightening restrictions on preaching and hawking on moving public service vehicles, with offenders facing possible imprisonment, fines or both.
A new regulation in Ghana is tightening restrictions on preaching and hawking on moving public service vehicles, with offenders facing possible imprisonment, fines or both.
Content*
Pastors who preach on moving commercial buses in Ghana could increasingly disappear from public transport as authorities begin enforcing tougher regulations against the practice.
The new regulation, passed by Parliament in May, prohibits preaching and hawking on public service vehicles while they are in motion, citing passenger safety, comfort and the potential distraction caused by such activities.
Offenders could face up to eight months in prison, a fine of up to $52, or both.
Preaching on commercial buses has been prohibited in Ghana since 2012, but weak enforcement has allowed the practice to remain widespread, particularly on long-distance buses.
The new rules have sparked mixed reactions. Some passengers say loud preaching can be disruptive and uncomfortable, while others believe evangelism on public transport provides an opportunity to reach people who may not attend church.
Boateng Bismark James, a 61-year-old pastor who has preached on buses departing from Accra's Neoplan Station since 2023, says the practice is an important part of his ministry and a source of income.
He has appealed for religious preachers to be given an exemption, arguing that many passengers benefit from the messages.
However, Rev Enoch Paul Hayes, a senior pastor at the International Central Gospel Church, has urged pastors to respect the new regulations and explore alternative ways of spreading their message, including social media.
The development highlights a growing debate between religious evangelism, passenger comfort and the enforcement of public transport safety regulations in Ghana.
Your conversation is visible only to you and the admin team.
Comments
No comments yet.