Akrugu Akolgo, 30, Stephen Afugu, 22, Matthew Avoka, 23, and Dominic Adongo, 22, pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit crime to wit mining and conducting mining without licence.
They are to reappear before the court, presided over by Madam Mercy Adei Kotei, on June 16.
Prosecuting, Assistant State Attorney Cyril Boateng Keteku told the court that the complainants are members of a taskforce, stationed in the area, to help combat illegal mining.
He said that the taskforce usually visited the various abandoned illegal mining sites to deter illegal miners from carrying out their activities.
Mr. Keteku said that on May 13, this year, at about 10 am, when the taskforce went on its usual rounds, members came across the accused busily engaged in mining without licence.
He said the taskforce found blankets, and a pumping machine and excavator, used by the illegal miners in their operations.
Mr Keteku indicated that the team arrested the accused and seized their equipment, adding that the accused and equipment were handed over to the police.
He said the police were still conducting investigations into the matter, and prayed the court to remand the accused to afford the police the opportunity to conclude investigations.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu-Nyarko, Koforidua
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