Transport Union Stand: Operators Reject Suspension Of Vehicle Preaching And Hawking Ban

Commercial transport operators across Ghana have openly rejected the government’s decision to suspend the enforcement of Regulation 141 under the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), which prohibits preaching and hawking inside moving public vehicles. According to an official press statement released by the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana and reported by GhanaWeb on Saturday, October 10, 2026, the leadership of commercial driver associations declared that they will independently enforce the prohibition inside their vehicles to ensure passenger safety, driver focus, and commuter comfort. 

 The pushback from transport operators follows executive announcements suspending the implementation of Regulation 141 after widespread public debate and criticism from religious leaders.

Under L.I. 2519, individuals engaging in unauthorized preaching or commercial sales within moving public transport face penalties ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units, up to eight months imprisonment, or both. In a joint statement signed by National Chairman Asonaba Nana Owiredu and National PRO Yaw Barimah, the transport operators expressed deep disappointment with the state’s suspension, maintaining that noise distractions and unrestricted trading inside moving commercial buses compromise transit safety.  The transport leadership emphasized that commercial drivers retain statutory authority over operational conditions inside their private commercial fleets, asserting that no individual will be permitted to preach or conduct hawking while their vehicles are in transit.

Transport analysts note that while the state opened further stakeholder consultations to balance religious expression with civil regulations, commercial drivers view the strict enforcement of L.I. 2519 as a crucial step toward reducing preventable road distractions and maintaining orderly public transit environments.  Legal experts and transit policy commentators observe that the standoff highlights the complex intersection of public safety regulations, constitutional rights to religious expression, and commercial transport management. Stakeholders continue to urge the Ministry of Transport, law enforcement agencies, and driver unions to establish clear, enforceable guidelines that protect commuter safety while resolving regulatory ambiguities.

Source: GhanaWeb / Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana Press Release / Ministry of Transport

bestnewshunter feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com