Preaching and Hawking in Moving Tro-tros Banned: Offenders Face Up to 8 Months in Jail

ACCRA, Ghana — Persons who preach or hawk goods in moving public and commercial vehicles in Ghana will face up to eight months in prisons under the new road traffic regulations. This comes as a result of the recently approved Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519) to curb disruptions in mass transit. The regulation replaces old rules which imposed lenient punishment on such activities.

The new law is an aggressive way of curbing minor transit disruptions in Ghana.

Before now, transit offences of this nature attracted a maximum of 30 days to three months in prison under the old guidelines. Increasing the jail time to over half a year, the legislators are sending a strong message to all who cause nuisance in any of the country's major highways.

Under Regulation 141 of the new legal document, the law makes it an offence to cause, or allow nuisance (preaching and hawking) to be created in any public/mini or motor-vehicle whilst in motion. Those found guilty of the specified violation will be charged with a fine of between 10 and 50 penalty units or spend up to eight months in prison or face both punishment.

With one penalty unit equivalent to GH¢12, the fine payable by preachers and hawkers in Ghana is officially between GH¢120 and GH¢600. Though the fine is not substantial, the new law is expected to prevent long jail terms for minor offences as the next big deterrent.

The new law is expected to affect the daily experience of the average Ghanaian who ride commercial mini-buses (tro-tros) and long-distance buses. Commuters have over the years been used to transient pastors who share the word of God and salespeople who hawk herbal remedies, electronics, and snacks inside the tro-tros and buses. Under the new law L.I. 2519, the long-standing social norms are about to be regarded as a criminal offence.

Despite the new rules, legal and transport experts have clarified that the restriction is not exactly a new concept. Regulation 116 of the older L.I. 2180 of 2012 had technically prohibited hawking and preaching practice in any commercial coach. However, the law was largely unenforced over the past decade, and so it attracted no immediate punishment. L.I. 2519 does not change the definition of the offence but increases the punishment for those who will continue to violate.

The new road traffic regulations are part of a wide-ranging effort by the government to impose total discipline and ensure maximum passenger safety on the nation's roads. Minister for Transport Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe launched a national sensitization campaign in September 2026. It was in his effort to sensitize drivers, transport unions, and commuters on the newly approved Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153) and L.I. 2519.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the new traffic law is part of a larger plan for total traffic system modernization in Ghana. Besides regulating the use of the country's roads, the state is embarking on digitized traffic monitoring, automated driver demerit system linked to the driver's license, and towing subscription to rapidly remove vehicles from the road in case of damages. The authorities say the road ban is a safety measure as activities in moving vehicles can distract drivers from the task at hand.

The strict revival of the law has sparked a lively and contentious national debate on freedom of religious expression, economic survival for hawkers, and police enforcement challenges. While some passengers are cheering for the new restrictions to enjoy a safer and less noisy transit experience, others feel the rules are an infringement on their rights and a threat to their livelihoods. However, with the regional sensitization drives by the transport ministry in all 16 regions currently ongoing, commercial drivers and passengers are being reminded to police vehicles or face the harsh legal consequences.