Former reality show contestant gets life in prison for manslaughter
A former contestant of the Mentor reality show, Bismark Ato Foster has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
In a case that has spanned seven years, Foster was found guilty of manslaughter on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, by a seven-member jury.
He was accused of killing one Razak Mohammed at Nungua Coco-Beach on September 26, 2016, and was subsequently charged with murder and the use of an offensive weapon.
Foster however pleaded not guilty to both charges.
After deliberations, the jury returned a guilty verdict for manslaughter and the use of an offensive weapon.
The Criminal Court ‘3 presided over by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh therefore sentenced him to life imprisonment and 25 years for an offensive weapon.
Both sentences are to be served concurrently.
Foster’s defence counsel, however, pleaded for mitigation citing his client’s good behaviour throughout the trial and his first-time offender status.
They also highlighted his age and his promising future, portraying him as an unfortunate victim of circumstances.
The defence further argued that the death of the deceased was unintentional and urged the judge to consider a minimum punishment.
However, the prosecution further argued that the offence was weighty and required a life sentence to serve as a deterrent to others
They indicated that the gun was fired twice, implying an intent to kill.
Meanwhile, his lawyers have declared their intention to appeal the sentence.
Brief Facts
The complainant, Ebenezer Ekow Ayaim, had acquired two plots of land at Nungua Coco Beach.
The accused, Foster, was known to Ayaim as someone who occasionally trespassed on his undeveloped plot without permission.
Following Ayaim’s complaints to the police, an officer recommended Foster and the deceased, Razak, to supply sand and stones for the construction of a fence wall on the land.
On September 26, 2016, during an inspection of the land, a tragic incident occurred. Ayaim briefly went inside his house, leaving Razak and Foster outside. A gunshot was heard, leading Ayaim to witness Razak’s lifeless body and Foster’s colleague, Stephen Ansah, with a bleeding arm.
The police were called for assistance, and Ansah was rushed to the hospital, but Razak was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The prosecution presented testimonies from witnesses, including the complainant, the building contractor, and a police officer, supporting the events leading to the tragic shooting.
Detective Chief Inspector Osei Yeboah, who headed the investigation, provided additional evidence and confirmed the arrest of Foster.
Ultimately, the Office of the Attorney General directed the charges of murder and the use of an offensive weapon against Foster, leading to his recent conviction and sentencing.