Transport Operators Vow to Enforce Hawking and Preaching Ban in Buses Despite Gov’t Suspension

​Commercial transport operators in Ghana have strongly criticized the government’s decision to suspend the implementation of Regulation 141 under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2519. In a sharp reaction to the pause announced by government sources following intense public debate and pushback from religious leaders, the transport unions declared that they will not tolerate preaching or hawking inside their vehicles. The transport group expressed deep disappointment over the sudden reversal, arguing that the regulation remains vital for ensuring the safety, peace, and overall comfort of passengers during transit.

​The pushback stems from a recent 2026 amendment to L.I. 2519, a law that has existed since 2012 but suffered from decades of non-enforcement. The latest amendment significantly increased penalties for violators and came with a pledge from authorities to strictly implement the restrictions. Transport operators had welcomed the tougher measures as a long-overdue framework to curb noise pollution, unauthorized vending, and potential security risks in public transport. However, the government’s sudden decision to back down amid public outcry has created a fresh wave of agitation among union leaders.

​Undeterred by the official suspension, the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana issued a firm statement on October 9 warning that they will actively resist the government's position. Union executives maintained that their members would independently enforce the prohibition across all commercial buses and trotros under their jurisdiction. The group stressed that regardless of state policy, no individual will be permitted to preach, conduct religious services, or solicit sales onboard their fleets, placing passenger safety as their top operational mandate.

​This defiant stance sets up an impending showdown between commercial drivers, commuters, and government authorities over how transit rules will be regulated on the ground. By taking enforcement into their own hands, transport operators have highlighted a growing rift over the management of public spaces and passenger welfare. As operators prepare to turn away preachers and hawkers at lorry stations nationwide, uncertainty remains over how state security and transport regulators will respond to private entities enforcing a suspended legislative regulation.

@Volta Today