Stop the Sermon Before the Engine Starts: Why Ghana Regulates Preaching on Moving Vehicles

Preaching inside public transport is a familiar sight across Ghana. Many commuters have watched a preacher board a trotro or bus, deliver a short sermon, and move down the aisle with a message of hope. However, Ghana has not completely banned preaching in vehicles. Instead, the law restricts preaching and selling goods inside public and commercial vehicles while they are in motion.

Under Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), causing or permitting a nuisance is prohibited in a public or commercial vehicle, such as a trotro or bus, while the vehicle is moving. The regulation names preaching and hawking as examples of activities that can constitute a nuisance. The rule applies to the conduct of activities while the vehicle is on the road, not to religious worship itself.

Preaching and praying with passengers are permitted while the vehicle is stationary at a terminal, station, or loading point, provided the vehicle has not started moving. This means passengers waiting for a vehicle to fill up or depart can still hear a message, pray together, or receive spiritual encouragement before the journey begins. Once the driver starts the engine and pulls away, however, such activities must stop.

The rationale behind the rule is largely about safety. A preacher standing or moving in the aisle while a vehicle is in motion can distract the driver, who needs full concentration on the road, traffic, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Ghana's roads already record a high number of accidents, and authorities argue that avoidable distractions should be removed. There is also a physical risk to the preacher and passengers. In the case of a sudden application of brake, a person standing in the aisle may lose balance, fall, and get hurt. Passengers seated with bags, children, or goods may also be affected.

It is important to understand that the law does not stop people from preaching in vehicles altogether. Preachers and worship groups still have room to minister, provided they do so at the right time and place. The key distinction is between stationary and moving vehicles. A message delivered at a terminal before departure is lawful, while the same message delivered at highway speed is not.

Despite this, some Ghanaian pastors have reacted strongly to the enforcement of these road traffic rules. Several have described the measures as an attack on religious freedom, arguing that evangelism has long been part of daily life for commuters. For many of them, public transport is a natural mission field, where people from different backgrounds gather and may be open to spiritual messages. They see the restrictions as limiting their ability to reach people who might otherwise never hear the gospel.

The strength of this reaction is surprising to some observers, because the Bible does not teach believers to be irresponsible, unreasonable, or undisciplined. Scripture repeatedly encourages wisdom, self-control, and respect for authority. Romans 13 calls Christians to submit to governing authorities, and Proverbs warns against recklessness that endangers others. Many church leaders have themselves preached about the value of order and care for one's neighbour. From this perspective, observing a rule that protects the lives of drivers and passengers can be seen as an expression of Christian love rather than a compromise of faith.

Ultimately, the debate reflects a wider question about how religious expression fits within public safety rules. The current regulation offers a practical middle path: preach before the journey begins, pray with passengers at the terminal, and leave the message for the stop. Both government and religious leaders have an interest in roads that are safer for everyone. Dialogue between transport authorities and faith communities may help ensure that the rules are understood, respected, and applied fairly, so that the message of faith can continue without putting lives at risk.

Anthony Obeng Afrane