Accra:Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, has voiced criticism against those opposing the ban on preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles in Ghana. Speaking on Metro TV's Good Morning Ghana, Pratt highlighted the potential for passengers to be subjected to unwanted religious messages during their travels.
According to Ghana Web, Pratt pointed out the diversity of religious beliefs, noting that even within Christianity, there are numerous denominations and interpretations. He questioned the appropriateness of allowing unsolicited preaching in public transport, particularly on long journeys such as those from Accra to Kumasi, which can take up to six hours.
Pratt emphasized the importance of allowing passengers to rest during their travels without being subjected to additional stress from unsolicited preaching. He argued that passengers should have the freedom to maintain their own religious beliefs without others imposing theirs.
He further noted that this restriction should apply even when vehicles are stationary, asserting that individuals have the right to believe and practice their faith privately without external imposition. Pratt also called for a sanitization of bus stations, criticizing those who misuse religion for inappropriate behavior.
The introduction of the new Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), which bans preaching and hawking in moving public transport vehicles, has sparked a divided response among Ghanaians, leading to a government suspension of the ban.