By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (V/R), Oct. 10, GNA- Residents of Keta in the Volta Region have expressed mixed reactions to the government’s reported suspension of the implementation of a Legislative Instrument (LI) seeking to ban preaching and hawking in moving vehicles.
While some residents have welcomed the move as necessary to promote safety, reduce distractions and maintain order in public transport, others have argued that restricting preaching could infringe on religious freedom and the right of Christians to share the word of God.
The government’s decision has generated public discussion, particularly among commuters, commercial drivers, religious leaders and traders who regularly use public transport for their daily activities.
Madam Grace Deladem Amewuga, a resident who supported the proposed restriction told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that preaching in moving vehicles could distract drivers and passengers, especially when preachers spoke loudly or moved around while vehicles were in motion.
“Such activities can interfere with the concentration of drivers and create discomfort for other passengers who might not subscribe to the religious messages being delivered,” she said.
She explained that public transport should remain a safe and convenient means of travelling, and that passengers should not be compelled to participate in religious activities during their journeys.
Madam Amewuga indicated that the restriction would also help protect passengers from individuals who might use religious preaching as an opportunity to solicit money or engage in other activities that could inconvenience commuters.
However, other residents disagreed with the proposed ban, describing it as a possible restriction on the freedom to practice and share religious beliefs.
Mr George Tetteh, another resident further argued that preaching was an important aspect of Christian faith and that evangelism should not be unnecessarily restricted, provided it was conducted peacefully and without endangering passengers.
He said: “Christians have a responsibility to spread the word of God and restricting them from such Godly duty could make it difficult for some preachers to reach people who might not have the opportunity to attend church services.”
He, however, acknowledged the need for preachers to exercise caution and respect the comfort of passengers, and added that religious activities should not interfere with the safety of drivers or other road users.
Other residents called for a balanced approach, while urging the authorities to engage religious leaders, transport unions, drivers and the public before implementing measures that could affect preaching and other activities in commercial vehicles.
They said clear guidelines could help distinguish between peaceful religious expression and conduct that endangered road safety or inconvenienced passengers.
The residents urged the government and relevant authorities to communicate the scope and legal implications of the proposed Legislative Instrument clearly to avoid misunderstanding and unnecessary tension between religious groups and transport operators.
They also called for public education to ensure that any measures adopted protected road users while respecting constitutional freedoms, including freedom of religion and expression.
Other relevant authorities including religious leaders and driver unions expressed different opinions over the initiative, while others said initiating such a ban would prevent others from receiving the word of God that could help transform their lives for good.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah