A Chinese woman has been arrested in Ghana for allegedly attempting to smuggle four containers of rosewood out of the country.

Police intercepted two trucks loaded with containers of rosewood in Northern Region’s capital, Tamale, which the suspect was allegedly transporting to Tema port for export.

Northern Regional police officer Otuo Acheampong, says she failed to produce documents to prove she was operating legally.

In March, Ghana’s Lands and Natural Resources Ministry directed the Forestry Commission to ban the harvesting, transportation and export of rosewood in the country.

Civil society and interest groups have intensified their campaign for the government to prosecute Chinese nationals operating illegally in the country after Chinese-led illegal mining left most of Ghana’s water bodies polluted.

Last month, the Chinese government, through its ambassador in Ghana, said it was ready to collaborate with the government Ghana to fight illegal operations by Chinese nationals.

It blamed the growth of illegal Chinese operations partly on local people who partner with them.