It is not a rare scene in corporate Ghana to arrive at the premises of an organisation, business or non-business, only to see a “No taxis allowed” at the entrance of the premises.
No taxis allowed
Taxis are the major means of transport for part of the middle class and most of the lower class. Movements within the cities are mostly by taxis or ‘trotro’ (commercial mini-bus transport). So why do some organisations put up inscriptions of ‘No taxis allowed’ at their entrances?
This plainly tells everyone entering the premise that they cannot continue to ride in the taxi beyond that point. What that means is that, for the rest of your journey to the office, you’ll have to do that on foot, no matter what.
Surprisingly, the rule is not relaxed for the elderly, young, weak or any other. So what happens during torrential rainfalls? Are visitors or customers expected to walk from the gate to the first door to the premise through the rain?
Is there a deeper understanding?
I have never understood why some offices disallow taxis from getting closer, but allow private cars to drive as close as possible and use their parks. What security threat do they prevent by disallowing taxis entry but allowing private cars without any form of security checks at the gates. What dangers are associated with taxis entering a premise that private cars do not or cannot carry to the premise, especially without any thorough checks.
If an institution prevents taxis from entering its premises, then it probably lacks the competence and security set-up necessary to check all in-coming cars thoroughly to protect lives and property within its premises. So why does it allow private cars free entry?
Economic Discrimination
Based on our economic muscles or by some twists of events within a day, we may find ourselves having to ride in a taxi towards our various destinations. At some of these places we may have to step out of the taxi and walk about 100 meters or more to the door, with or without baggage and no matter the weather, whereas the economically privileged drive pass us into the parking lot comfortably.
Why are the rich enjoying this privilege of accessing premises up to the last point the wheels of a car can take them. Must your means of transport determine how close you can get to your destination, without any meaningful reason given us?
I believe a better option has to be offered to the economically poor in society. They should be treated the same way the rich are treated. It is disheartening when you realize that corporate institutions are meting out such discriminatory treatment to their customers.
Sometimes customers have no choice than to respect these ‘no taxis allowed’ inscriptions at the entrances. Corporate institutions especially should adopt better measures than granting levels of access based on economic statuses.