Umbrellas Are Out Of Fashion’ Ashanti Residents Snub Rain Gear Despite Heavy Downpours.

As the rainy season sets in, one would expect umbrellas to be in high demand on the streets of Kumasi. But that is not the case this year.

Angel Tv News hit the streets this morning to assess how residents are coping with the rains and whether umbrella use has increased. Surprisingly, many commuters were seen walking without umbrellas despite the cloudy weather and morning drizzles.

Several residents who spoke to Angel News revealed that the use of umbrellas has significantly reduced in recent times.

“I don’t even remember the last time I carried an umbrella.

These days I just use a raincoat or wait small for the rain to stop,” one commuter said.

Another passenger added: “The rain these days doesn’t give you notice.

By the time you open the umbrella, you’re already wet. So most of us don’t bother.”

The low patronage is hitting umbrella traders hard.

A visit to sellers at PZ, Adum, and Central Market revealed a gloomy picture. Traders sat idle with stacks of unsold umbrellas, complaining of poor sales.

“Market is very slow. Last year by this time we were selling a lot, but this year the people are not buying.

Even when it rains, they prefer to run or use it raining coat ,” an umbrella seller lamented.

Another trader said the situation has been worsened by economic hardship.

“Umbrella is not food. People will rather use that money to buy something to eat than buy an umbrella,” she explained.

While the rains are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, umbrella sellers remain uncertain if business will pick up.

For now, their stalls remain full while the streets stay empty of umbrellas.

Story by Solomon Kesse.