The government has suspended the implementation of a proposed Legislative Instrument (LI) seeking to regulate preaching and hawking in moving vehicles.
This follows concerns raised by some Christian leaders, including Head Pastor of Holy Hill Chapel of the Assemblies of God, Reverend Dr Kwadwo Boateng Bempah and evangelist Nigel Gaisie, among others, over the implications of the proposed restrictions for religious activities.
However, in a statement from the Presidency, the government explained that the regulation was part of a broader set of proposed road traffic measures intended to ensure public safety and order.
“Please note that the regulation that controls preaching in moving vehicles is one of a raft of road traffic regulations proposed to ensure public and safety order, whose implementation have been deferred pending broader engagement with stakeholders,” the statement said.
The Presidency added that the implementation had been put on hold to accommodate concerns expressed by the public.
“So it has currently been put on hold to take on board the concerns of the public,” the statement added.
The proposed LI has attracted attention partly because it includes provisions for jail terms for offenders who violate the restrictions.
Preaching on commercial buses and other forms of public transport is common in Ghana, with pastors and evangelists often using such platforms to spread religious messages to commuters.
Hawking is also a familiar activity on public transport, particularly among informal traders who sell goods to passengers.
The suspension is expected to allow further engagement with stakeholders before the proposed regulations are implemented.
The Presidency has not announced a new date for implementation or provided details on when the consultations will be concluded.
