Central Charismatic Baptist Church: Ghana Public Transport Preaching Law Review Urged

• The Central Charismatic Baptist Church celebrated its 30th anniversary by calling for a review of Ghana's law restricting preaching on public transport.
• The new regulation, already in effect, prohibits preaching and hawking in moving public service vehicles, with potential penalties including prison terms and fines.
• Rev. Dr. Steve Owusu Ampomah Paintsil argued that while acknowledging public safety concerns, an outright ban undermines grassroots evangelism and urged for regulated guidelines instead.
• The church appealed to Parliament, the Ministry of Transport, and city authorities to engage with clergy to find a balanced approach respecting both public order and religious liberty.
• Beyond this advocacy, the church also unveiled a 30-year vision to expand its missions, community development, and youth initiatives, aiming to become a "mega church" in the Ashanti Region.

His call is for a nuanced approach that introduces clear guidelines, enabling individuals to preach respectfully without causing disturbance or harassment to passengers, thereby balancing public order with the right to religious expression.

The Central Charismatic Baptist Church (CCBC) in Atonsu-Gyinyase, Kumasi, recently marked its 30th anniversary with a significant call for a review of Ghana's public transport preaching law. During a thanksgiving service held on October 8, 2026, the church's leadership used the milestone occasion to advocate for changes to a recently enacted regulation that restricts religious expression on moving public service vehicles. This appeal highlights growing concerns among religious bodies regarding the balance between maintaining public order and upholding religious freedoms within Ghana's transport sector.

The anniversary celebration, which culminated 30 days of prayer and fasting under the theme "Open Doors," drew a diverse assembly of past and present members, clergy, traditional leaders, and government officials. Among the notable attendees were the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and the Asokwa Municipal Chief Executive, Amoh Kamel. The service itself was a vibrant affair, featuring praise and worship, choral performances, and a dramatic presentation chronicling the church's three-decade journey, including its foundational moments, challenges, and subsequent growth.

Rev. Dr. Steve Owusu Ampomah Paintsil, the Founder and Senior Pastor of CCBC, expressed profound gratitude during his address, acknowledging divine grace and the dedication of the church's founding members, leaders, and congregation. He emphasized the church's impact over 30 years, citing "lives saved, families restored, and hope given to the hopeless." It was in this context of celebrating the church's outreach that Rev. Dr. Paintsil articulated his concerns about the new Ghana bus evangelism regulation, arguing that it could impede a crucial avenue for grassroots evangelism.

The Central Charismatic Baptist Church's appeal comes amidst the active enforcement of a new regulation specifically designed to restrict both preaching and hawking within public service vehicles while they are in motion. This measure, which has already been passed into law, aims to address issues of noise, nuisance, and passenger safety within Ghana's public transport system. While Rev. Dr. Paintsil acknowledged these legitimate concerns, he contended that the current framework, which reportedly includes provisions for custodial punishment, fines, and an outright ban on preaching, goes too far and could inadvertently stifle religious liberty.

Rev. Dr. Paintsil, whose personal "born-again journey" began with a sermon heard on a bus, underscored the historical effectiveness of public transport as a vital platform for evangelism, reaching individuals who might otherwise never encounter a church setting. He argued that instead of criminalizing such religious expression, the Ministry of Transport Ghana preaching rules should be revised to allow for regulated evangelism. His call is for a nuanced approach that introduces clear guidelines, enabling individuals to preach respectfully without causing disturbance or harassment to passengers, thereby balancing public order with the right to religious expression.

The Central Charismatic Baptist Church is specifically urging Parliament, the Ministry of Transport, and city authorities to engage with the clergy. This engagement, according to Rev. Dr. Paintsil, is essential to develop a balanced approach that protects public order while simultaneously respecting Ghana religious liberty public transport. The current legal framework, with its potential for prison terms and financial penalties for evangelism, is seen by the church as an overly punitive measure that warrants immediate legislative review.

Beyond the immediate advocacy for a Ghana public transport preaching law review, the anniversary also served as a platform for the Central Charismatic Baptist Church to outline its ambitious vision for the next three decades. Dr. Kwasi Osei Agyemang, the church's Senior Deacon, speaking on behalf of the Board of Deacons, articulated a forward-looking strategy that extends far beyond its current achievements. He emphasized that the 30th anniversary marked a new beginning rather than a conclusion, signaling a renewed commitment to spiritual and community development.

The church's strategic plan for the coming years includes an intensified focus on winning more souls, expanding its missions, and planting additional branches across the region. Furthermore, CCBC intends to significantly increase its investment in youth development, educational support, skills training, and various community projects. This comprehensive vision aims to transform CCBC into a "mega church" within the Ashanti Region, characterized not only by its numerical growth but also by its profound societal impact, fostering godly leaders and actively transforming communities. This holistic approach underscores the church's belief that its spiritual mission is intrinsically linked to its role in societal betterment, a mission it believes should not be unduly hindered by restrictive public transport regulations.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor potential legislative or regulatory reviews in Ghana concerning public transport conduct, specifically regarding restrictions on religious preaching. This advocacy highlights a tension between public order and religious liberty, which could lead to new guidelines or legal challenges impacting transport operators and individuals.

Source: Original reporting via Carbonatix