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), only prohibit preaching and selling in vehicles while they are in motion.
Speaking for the first time on the controversy surrounding Regulation 141 of the Legislative Instrument, the President said the restriction was intended to protect drivers and passengers from potential 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 stationary. It is not true that we have banned preaching in vehicles,” he stated.
Regulation 141 prohibits preaching and hawking in public and commercial vehicles while they are moving. Those who violate the provision face fines ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both.
The regulation has drawn criticism from some religious leaders and members of the public, who have expressed concerns that the restriction could affect evangelism and religious expression.
However, President Mahama maintained that the measure was meant to prevent activities that could distract drivers and put passengers, preachers and traders at risk.
Following the public backlash, the government has suspended implementation of the provision and is undertaking further consultations on the regulation.
