Ghana's government has suspended the implementation of a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) that prohibits preaching and hawking in moving public service vehicles. This decision follows significant public debate and concerns raised by religious leaders and other stakeholders.
The regulation, part of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), had attracted criticism. It specifically targeted religious expression and evangelism in commercial vehicles, alongside the sale of goods to passengers. The suspension aims to allow for further consideration of these measures and address the concerns surrounding their enforcement.
This development fits into Ghana's broader efforts to enhance road safety and discipline. The government, through the Ministry of Transport, has been actively promoting the new Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153), and L.I. 2519. These legislative changes are part of a wider strategy to improve enforcement and ensure road users understand their responsibilities. The pause indicates a responsiveness to public sentiment, a critical aspect of policy implementation in a democratic setting.
A high-ranking government source confirmed the suspension, acknowledging the public debate. The source indicated that the government needs to provide further details on the suspension. They also need to communicate when a final decision on the regulation will be made public.
The suspension means that activities like religious preaching and selling goods on moving 'tro-tros' and buses will not immediately attract the new, tougher penalties. This offers a temporary reprieve for individuals whose livelihoods or religious practices depend on these activities. Decision-makers will now likely engage in broader consultations with affected groups. This includes religious bodies, transport unions, and informal traders, to find a more acceptable path forward.
Under Regulation 141 of L.I. 2519, an offender faced a fine of between 10 and 50 penalty units. This translates to a monetary fine ranging from GHS 120 to GHS 600, given that one penalty unit is valued at GHS 12. Offenders could also face imprisonment for up to eight months, or both a fine and imprisonment. This represented a significant increase in the maximum custodial sentence compared to previous regulations.
Regulation 116 of L.I. 2180 already prohibited causing a nuisance, including preaching and hawking, in moving public vehicles. The key change in the new L.I. 2519 was the introduction of tougher punishment. The previous rules allowed for a fine of up to 50 penalty units, a prison term, or both. The new regulations maintained the fine range but increased the maximum prison sentence to eight months.
The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, launched a nationwide public education campaign in September. This campaign aimed to familiarise road users and transport operators with the new legal framework. The Ministry of Transport stated that the new framework intended to strengthen road safety and improve enforcement. Other reforms include automated traffic enforcement and a demerit-point system linked to driving licences. The regulation applies to specified activities when a public or commercial vehicle is moving. It covers preaching and hawking as forms of nuisance and does not target any particular religion. The restriction also applies to people who sell goods to passengers inside moving commercial vehicles. The renewed public attention on this provision has triggered debate about religious expression, the everyday culture of public transport, and the enforcement of traffic rules. The nationwide sensitisation campaign is intended to help drivers, passengers, transport operators, and other road users understand the revised legal framework and comply with the rules. The government's pause on implementation suggests a recognition of the need for greater public understanding and acceptance before full enforcement.