President John Dramani Mahama has explained that the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), do not prohibit preaching in vehicles altogether but restrict the practice when vehicles are in motion.
He said Regulation 141 was introduced to safeguard drivers and passengers from potential distractions and accidents, stressing that religious activities could continue when vehicles were stationary.
“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 stationary. It is not true that we have banned preaching in vehicles,” he stated.
The regulation prohibits preaching and hawking in public and commercial vehicles while they are moving. Those who violate the provision risk fines ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both.
The restriction has generated public debate, with some religious leaders and members of the public questioning its potential impact on evangelism and the exercise of religious freedom.
President Mahama maintained that the measure was primarily a road safety intervention, intended to prevent activities that could distract drivers and place passengers, preachers and traders at risk.
However, following the public reaction, the government has suspended the implementation of the provision and initiated further consultations on the regulation.
