Trotro Drivers Reject Suspension of Ban on Preaching and Hawking in Their Buses

• Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana rejected the government's decision to suspend Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026
• The regulation bans preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles while in motion, carrying fines or imprisonment for violators
• The group warned it would resist any attempt to suspend the rule and vowed to enforce it across its vehicles

The Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana have publicly opposed the government's suspension of Regulation 141 under the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), insisting the provision must be enforced without delay.

In a press release dated 9 October 2026, the group expressed disappointment over the suspension and made clear it had no intention of standing down.

Transport operators demand reinstatement of preaching ban

"We maintain that L.I. 2519 Regulation 141 must be enforced with immediate effect to ensure passenger safety and comfort," the group stated in its release.

The operators went further, issuing a direct warning to any party seeking to delay the measure:

Read also

DVLA boss Julius Kotey unveils instant licence printing machines

"We will resist any attempt to suspend it. No preaching or hawking will be allowed in our vehicles."

The government moved to suspend Regulation 141 amid growing public debate around the provision, which prohibits preaching and hawking inside public and commercial vehicles while they are in motion.

Under the regulation, offenders face a fine of between 10 and 50 penalty units, a prison term of up to eight months, or both.

Trotro operators vs preachers clashes loom

Despite the government's position, the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana said they remained fully committed to upholding the ban within their fleet of vehicles.

The statement was signed by National Chairman Asonaba Nana Owiredu and National PRO Yaw Barimah.

It also carried the name of Charles Danso, representing the Ghana Committed Association.

Ghanaians react to new transport fares

Earlier, YEN.com.gh wrote about the 8% increase in public transport fares, which took effect in September 2026.

The increase was poorly received by Ghanaians, the majority of whom rely on public transport to get to their places of work.

Read also

Government suspends implementation of new L.I. restricting preaching in moving vehicles

Operators in the sector, meanwhile, stated that the increase was necessitated by the prevailing market conditions.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh