Assemblies of God: Condemns Ghana L.I. 2519 Preaching Restriction

• Ghana's new Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), prohibit preaching and hawking in moving public service vehicles.
• Rev. Kwadwo Boateng Bempah of the Assemblies of God described the preaching restriction as an attempt to "gag the church."
• Violators of the L.I. 2519 preaching ban face fines of 10 to 50 penalty units, up to eight months imprisonment, or both.
• Rev. Bempah questioned the ban's fairness, noting other public loudspeaker use, and vowed the church would continue its ministry.
• His remarks, made to his congregation, were widely circulated on social media, highlighting the controversy.

He characterized the new regulation, which specifically targets preaching activities within moving public service vehicles, as a deliberate maneuver to "gag the church" and stifle religious expression.

Rev. Kwadwo Boateng Bempah, the esteemed Head Pastor of the Holy Hill Chapel of the Assemblies of God, has vociferously condemned the recently implemented Ghana L.I. 2519 preaching restriction. He characterized the new regulation, which specifically targets preaching activities within moving public service vehicles, as a deliberate maneuver to "gag the church" and stifle religious expression. These strong sentiments were initially shared with his congregation during a message and subsequently gained significant traction after being widely circulated across various social media platforms.

Despite the introduction of these new regulatory measures, Rev. Bempah unequivocally stated that the church would neither be silenced nor cease its efforts to propagate the gospel. He emphasized that the mission of the Assemblies of God Ghana preaching remains paramount, asserting that the word of God must be disseminated wherever people gather. This resolute declaration comes in the context of the broader amended Road Traffic Regulations Act, which also encompasses a prohibition against hawking on buses while they are in motion, indicating a wider regulatory sweep over public transport conduct.

The core of the current debate lies within the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, specifically identified as L.I. 2519. This legislative instrument establishes a clear prohibition against both preaching and hawking activities occurring within public service vehicles while they are in transit. The Ghana L.I. 2519 preaching restriction is designed to govern behavior in commercial transport settings, aiming to enhance order and safety for passengers.

Enforcement of this preaching ban public transport Ghana carries substantial L.I. 2519 penalties preaching for individuals found in contravention. Offenders may face a monetary fine ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units. Additionally, the regulations allow for the imposition of imprisonment for a duration of up to eight months, or a combination of both a fine and a custodial sentence. These stringent penalties underscore the government's intent to ensure compliance with the newly enacted traffic rules.

Rev. Bempah's criticism extends beyond the immediate ban, touching upon broader implications for Ghana freedom of religion public spaces. He highlighted what he perceives as an inconsistency in public policy, questioning the rationale behind prohibiting preaching on buses while other individuals are permitted to use loudspeakers in public areas, even during early morning hours, such as 4:30 a.m. This comparison suggests a concern that religious expression is being unfairly singled out for restriction compared to other forms of public communication or noise.

The pastor maintained a defiant stance, expressing his conviction that any attempts to suppress the practice of preaching in public conveyances would ultimately prove unsuccessful. He reaffirmed the church's unwavering commitment to reaching individuals wherever they are present, including within vehicles and even "at the back of Okada" (motorcycle taxis), underscoring a determination to adapt evangelism methods. Furthermore, Rev. Bempah delivered a cautionary message to Christians, imploring them not to compromise their faith to please others, encapsulated in his powerful admonition: "Never please people to displease God." This firm position signals a potential for ongoing dialogue and possible contention between religious organizations and the authorities regarding the scope of public religious activities.

Lawyers should advise clients involved in public ministry or religious organizations in Ghana about the new Road Traffic Regulations (L.I. 2519) prohibiting preaching in moving public vehicles, highlighting the potential fines and imprisonment. They should also monitor for potential constitutional challenges regarding freedom of religion and expression.

Source: Original reporting via myjoyonline