Ghana bans preaching on buses with jail terms for offenders

Before the morning rush begins, the sound of praise and worship fills the Neoplan bus station in Accra, Ghana's capital, as a group of Christians gathers to prepare to evangelize on vehicles taking travelers across the country. Boateng Bismark James, leading 13 worshippers, prays for drivers and passengers traveling to various destinations.

Ghana is a predominantly Christian country where preaching on public transport is widespread. On long-distance buses, pastors can often be seen preaching the gospel, sometimes standing in the stairwell next to the driver or walking up and down the aisle, calling on sinners to repent at the tops of their voices. This practice has been common, with passengers sometimes offering money to support the preachers.

However, a new law threatens to end this familiar practice. Anyone found preaching in public service vehicles now faces up to eight months in prison, a fine of up to $52 (£39), or both. This regulation, passed by parliament in May, targets preaching and hawking on vehicles while in motion, classifying both as nuisances and citing the safety and comfort of passengers.

Boateng, a 61-year-old pastor at Gospel Light Church, has been preaching on commercial vehicles since 2023. "I preach on commercial vehicles because not everyone is able to go to church on Sunday. There are a lot of passengers who need our message of salvation to repent from their sins. We even heal the sick on some buses," he told the BBC in Twi, a local language.