Ghana Bans Bus Preaching, Offenders Face Jail or Fines

Ghana has enacted a law banning preaching on public service vehicles, with offenders facing up to eight months in prison, a fine of up to $52, or both, marking a significant shift in a country where such evangelism is widespread. The regulation, passed by parliament in May and recently enforced, targets preaching and hawking on moving vehicles as a nuisance and safety risk. Pastors like Boateng Bismark James, who has preached on buses since 2023, say the practice is vital for reaching non-churchgoers and provides income through passenger donations. The ban has divided opinion, with critics citing noise and distraction risks, while supporters argue evangelism is a religious duty. A similar prohibition existed in 2012 but was weakly enforced, and the new law increases penalties.