President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that the government has not banned preaching in vehicles, explaining that the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), are aimed at ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers.
His comments follow public criticism of Regulation 141 of the regulations, 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 activities such as preaching and selling inside moving vehicles could distract drivers and expose passengers, preachers and traders to safety risks.
“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, offenders who preach or hawk in moving public and commercial vehicles face fines ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both.
The provision has sparked criticism from some religious leaders and members of the public, who have expressed concerns about its potential implications for evangelism and freedom of religious expression.
President Mahama’s clarification comes amid further government consultations on the regulation following the public backlash.
