Transport Operators Vow to Enforce Ban on Preaching and Hawking in Vehicles
The Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana have vowed to resist the government’s decision to suspend the implementation of Regulation 141 of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2519, insisting that preaching and hawking will not be permitted in vehicles operated by their members. The regulation restricts preaching, hawking and other activities considered a nuisance in moving public transport vehicles. In a statement issued on October 9, the operators expressed disappointment with the government’s decision, arguing that the regulation was necessary to protect passengers’ safety and comfort during journeys. A high-ranking government source confirmed the suspension to Myjoyonline.com amid public debate over the restrictions and concerns raised by religious leaders and other stakeholders.
The operators warned that they would oppose any attempt to suspend the regulation and called for its immediate enforcement, maintaining that the restrictions would remain in force in their members’ vehicles regardless of the government’s position. They argued that the regulation would help create a safer and more comfortable environment for public transport passengers. The group’s stance puts it at odds with the government’s decision and raises questions about how the restrictions will be applied in practice. The law has been in existence since 2012 but was not enforced until a recent amendment in 2026 increased the punishment for offenders and included a pledge to enforce it.
