Ghana, a predominantly Christian nation, has introduced a new law banning preaching on public buses in motion. The regulation targets evangelism during bus travel, classifying it as a public nuisance and citing passenger safety and comfort as key concerns.
What Happened
Boateng Bismark James, a 61-year-old pastor from Gospel Light Church, has led bus evangelism since 2023. He and 13 others prepare at Neoplan station in Accra before boarding long-distance buses to cities like Kumasi.
He says many passengers, especially those not able to attend church on Sundays, find his message life-changing. Some have reported spiritual renewal, while others have shared they first learned about salvation through his preaching.
James also says preaching supports his family. His last-born child completed university, and half of that education cost was funded by donations from passengers.
Key Facts
- Preaching on buses was first banned in Ghana in 2012, with penalties of up to 30 days in prison.
- The new law strengthens penalties and includes provisions for up to eight months in jail and a fine of $52.
- Preachers using megaphones at lorry parks and markets are not covered by the ban.
- Government enforcement of the law began in recent weeks.
- Evangelism on buses remains common, especially on long-distance routes.
Background: How the Law Works
Ghana’s constitution protects freedom of religion, but allows restrictions if they serve public safety or order.
Preaching on commercial buses was first prohibited in Ghana in 2012, with offenders facing up to 30 days in prison. The new law beefs up the penalties for those that flout the ban.
The new law expands penalties and clarifies that preaching while vehicles are moving is considered a public disturbance. It does not cover evangelism at stops or in parks.
Why It Matters
For many pastors, bus preaching is both a spiritual and financial necessity. It provides income for families, especially in rural or low-income communities.
Passengers have mixed reactions. Some, like Chery Lokko, say they find preachers disruptive—especially when they speak loudly or spit saliva near them. Others, like Bernice Nartey, believe the message can offer hope during stressful times.
Rev Enoch Paul Hayes of the International Central Gospel Church says the law does not violate religious freedom. He urges pastors to use social media instead, arguing that digital platforms can reach wider audiences without endangering safety.
Limitations and Open Questions
The law does not apply to preaching at bus stops or in markets. Megaphone use in lorry parks remains unregulated.
It remains unclear how the government will balance public order with religious practice. Critics argue that the law may disproportionately affect poor, rural communities where church attendance is low.
There is no official response from the Christian Council of Ghana to the BBC’s request for comment.
What to Watch Next
Legal challenges may emerge as pastors and religious groups assess whether the law violates constitutional protections. Public reactions could influence whether the government revises the policy.
Monitoring how the law is enforced—especially in rural areas—will be critical. Social media use by pastors may grow as an alternative to on-bus preaching.
For more on Ghana’s religious landscape, see the BBC’s coverage on Ghana’s religious practices.
For broader context on faith and public life in Africa, explore the BBC Africa section.
Learn more about Ghana’s evolving social and religious dynamics in the BBC Africa reports.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: Social, economic, religious and political changes affecting Arbuthnott – geograph.org.uk… by Adrian Diack , CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image source · License
Featured image: 2026-02-21 Tarique Rahman at meeting on religious and social harmony,… by Press Information Department, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Image source
