Ghana increases jail terms for preaching and hawking in moving vehicles

Under Ghana's new Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L. I. 2519), individuals who preach or hawk goods inside moving public or commercial vehicles face significantly increased penalties. The new law more than doubles the maximum prison sentence for causing or permitting a 'nuisance'—a category that explicitly includes preaching and hawking—from three months to eight months.

Convicted offenders may face a fine of between 10 and 50 penalty units (ranging from GH¢120 to GH¢600), imprisonment for up to eight months, or both. While the restriction on these activities was previously established under the 2012 regulations, the 2026 update focuses on harsher custodial sentences to improve road discipline and safety.

The Ministry of Transport has launched a nationwide public education campaign to familiarize road users and operators with these changes and the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025. The government aims to strengthen enforcement and road safety through these reforms.