Apostle Dr Benjamin Tetteh has described the policy restricting preaching in moving commercial vehicles as a step in the right direction but has called on the government to strengthen stakeholder engagement with religious bodies before its enforcement.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Morning Show on Monday, October 12, 2026, in Accra-Tema, Apostle Dr Tetteh said the policy was well-intended, particularly in promoting passenger safety, but stressed that proper consultations with church leaders and other relevant stakeholders were necessary to address concerns within Ghana’s religious and cultural environment.
He noted that Christians constitute a significant proportion of Ghana’s population and that evangelism remains an important aspect of Christian practice.
According to him, inadequate consultation could create the impression that the government was attempting to restrict the religious freedoms of Christians, particularly those who consider preaching an essential part of their faith.
“The policy is well-intended. In other countries, these things are well enforced. But in Ghana, we have a different cultural setting, different people, different understanding and a different political atmosphere. All these factors must be considered when taking such critical decisions,” he said.
Apostle Dr Tetteh also referenced President John Dramani Mahama’s affiliation with the Assemblies of God Church, arguing that engagement with church leadership and other religious organisations would have helped the government explain the policy and address potential misunderstandings.
He stressed the need to distinguish between preaching inside a moving bus, where safety and passenger comfort may be affected, and evangelism conducted before a vehicle departs.
He further observed that commercial drivers and vehicle owners have responsibilities to their passengers and businesses, while passengers also have different preferences regarding religious activities during their journeys.
Apostle Dr Tetteh therefore called for constructive dialogue involving the government, church leaders, transport operators and other relevant stakeholders to establish a mutually acceptable approach.
He maintained that proper engagement would help protect passenger safety while addressing concerns that the policy could unnecessarily restrict religious expression.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah/Ahotoronline/Accra*
