The Ashanti regional Police command has defended its action in the shoot-out at Kenyase that led to several people sustaining gunshot wounds saying they "acted professionally".

Police in Kumasi Monday morning fired teargas and warning shots to disperse demonstrators at Duase and Kenyase near Kumasi in the Ashanti region.

The demonstrators were protesting against the poor conditions of roads in the area, especially on the Kumasi - Antoa road.

28 people who reportedly sustained injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The demonstrators erected barriers on the main Kumasi - Antoa road, preventing the free flow of traffic and leaving commuters stranded.

According to the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti regional Police command, Sergeant Gordon Ahianyo, Police personnel from Kenyase who were at the scene and could not disperse the demonstrators called for re-enforcement from the Buffalo Unit who were said to have fired teargas and warning shots to disperse the crowd.

He told Radio XYZ that the Police had no choice than to fire tear gas adding that they did not aim at the demonstrators who were throwing missiles at them.

Sergeant Ahianyo also dismissed reports that two people were shot dead in the standoff.