The Ashanti Region Police have arrested and detained an unidentified police officer after unnecessarily firing three shots on a busy Kumasi street Wednesday afternoon.

According to eyewitness accounts, the officer was leading two Bank of Ghana bullion vans headed to Accra when he stood on top of his vehicle and fired his AK-47 to clear traffic at the Bomso traffic light in Top High, Ayigya.

Another police vehicle trailed behind the vans.

Luv FM's Erastus Asare Donkor, says frantic bystanders ducked for cover as the officer shot his weapon in the air.

Cars piled on top of each other as they attempted to drive on sidewalks where shocked pedestrians fled in fear.

“People were confused,” said Asare Donkor. “They were asking, ‘why is this happening?’”  

On Thursday, Erastus Asare Donkor, confirmed the incident was reported to Major Derek Oduro (rtd), Deputy Minister of Defense, who ordered the officer's arrest. It is unclear what charges will be brought against him.   

Shell casings from the scene have been found and will be used during investigations.

Joy News has contacted police but they are yet to comment.