The Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana have rejected the government’s decision to suspend enforcement of the ban on preaching and hawking in moving public transport vehicles, insisting that the regulation must take effect immediately.
In a press release signed by the group’s National Chairman, Asonaba Nana Owiredu, released on October 9, 2026, the group said Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519) was necessary to protect passengers' safety and comfort.
“We maintain that L.I. 2519 Regulation 141 must be enforced with immediate effect to ensure passenger safety and comfort,” the statement said.
The operators also warned that they would oppose any attempt to suspend the provision, declaring: “We will resist any attempt to suspend it. No preaching or hawking will be allowed in our vehicles.”
The group’s position comes amid public debate over the regulation, which prohibits preaching and hawking inside public and commercial vehicles while they are in motion.
Offenders face fines ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to eight months, or both.
The government suspended enforcement following public backlash over the restriction, with some religious leaders and members of the public raising concerns about its implications for evangelism and religious expression.
