News reaching us at Ghanafuo.com stipulates former TV reality show contestant Bismark Ato Foster has been found guilty of manslaughter after a seven-year legal battle.
Foster, who participated in the popular show “Mentor,” faced charges of murder and the use of an offensive weapon in connection with the death of Razak Mohammed at Nungua Coco-Beach on September 26, 2016 (7 years ago).
Although Foster maintained his innocence, a jury comprising seven members returned a verdict of guilty for manslaughter rather than murder. Initially, the jury voted 6-1 for both charges, but after further deliberations, they convicted Foster of manslaughter and the use of an offensive weapon.
Presiding over the case at Criminal Court ‘3,’ Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh handed down a life imprisonment sentence for Foster, as recommended by the jury.
Additionally, Foster received a concurrent 25-year sentence for the use of the offensive weapon.
Throughout the trial, Foster’s defense counsel pleaded for leniency, highlighting their client’s good conduct and consistent presence in court. They portrayed Foster as a first-time offender and argued that the deceased’s death was unintentional, urging the judge to consider a minimum punishment.
However, the prosecution opposed mitigation, emphasizing the gravity of the offense and the need for a life imprisonment sentence as a deterrent to others. They pointed out that the gun had been fired twice, suggesting intent.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzu sentenced Foster to life imprisonment.
Foster’s lawyers have expressed their intention to appeal the conviction and subsequent sentencing.
Per our findings, the case’s brief facts revealed that the complainant, Ebenezer Ekow Ayaim, owned two plots of land at Nungua Coco Beach.
Foster, known to Ayaim as a trespasser on the property, and the deceased, Razak, were recommended by a police officer to supply materials for the construction of a fence wall on the land.
On September 26, 2016, during an inspection, a gunshot was heard, leading to Razak’s death and another individual’s injury.
