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President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that the government has not banned preaching in vehicles, explaining that the restriction under the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), is aimed at protecting the safety of drivers and passengers.
The President’s comments follow public criticism of Regulation 141, which prohibits preaching and hawking in public and commercial vehicles while they are in motion.
Speaking for the first time on the controversy, President Mahama said the regulation was not intended to restrict religious freedom but to prevent activities that could distract drivers and expose passengers, preachers and traders to danger.
“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.
Under the regulation, persons who violate the provision face fines ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both.
The provision has sparked debate among religious leaders and sections of the public, with critics questioning its potential implications for evangelism and the expression of religious beliefs in commercial vehicles.
President Mahama’s clarification comes as the government engages in further consultations following the public reaction to the regulation.
Meanwhile, Citi News has confirmed that the government has suspended the implementation of the provision restricting preaching and hawking in moving public and commercial vehicles.
The suspension comes amid efforts to address the concerns raised by stakeholders, although further details regarding the duration of the suspension and possible changes to the regulation have yet to be made public.