Ghana bans bus preaching with jail terms for offenders

Ghana has banned preaching on public buses, with offenders facing up to eight months in prison, a fine of up to $52, or both, under a new regulation now being enforced. The law, passed in May and enforced in recent weeks, targets preaching and hawking on moving vehicles as a nuisance, citing passenger safety and comfort. Critics call it a distraction risk, while supporters see evangelism as a protected religious duty. Ghana's constitution guarantees religious freedom, subject to public safety, and a 2012 ban was weakly enforced. Bus preachers like Boateng Bismark James rely on passenger donations for income, while some pastors urge using social media instead.