President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that the government has not prohibited preaching in vehicles. According to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), the restriction applies only when vehicles are in motion. In addressing the controversy surrounding Regulation 141 for the first time, Mr. Mahama stated that the provision aims to protect the safety of drivers, passengers, preachers, and traders, rather than to limit religious expression.
“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,” he explained. “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 added. Regulation 141 prohibits preaching and hawking in 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.
Mr. Mahama emphasised that preaching and selling inside moving vehicles could distract drivers and put everyone involved—drivers, passengers, preachers, and traders—at risk. The regulation has received criticism from religious leaders and members of the public who are concerned about its implications for evangelism and freedom of religious expression.
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