Fresh details on the May 2023 court decision to sentence former “Mentor” reality show contestant Bismark Ato Foster to life imprisonment for manslaughter have emerged. Bismark Ato Foster was sentenced following a jury's guilty verdict seven years after the incident.
Charges verdict
Initially charged with both murder and the use of an offensive weapon in connection with the tragic death of Razak Mohammed on September 26, 2016, at Nungua Coco-Beach, Foster consistently pleaded not guilty.
However, the jury, after seven years of legal proceedings, delivered a 6-1 guilty verdict against him for both charges. The final verdict, however, specified guilt for manslaughter and the use of an offensive weapon.
Sentencing
Following the jury's decision, the court, presided over by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh of Criminal Court ‘3', imposed a life sentence for manslaughter and an additional 25 years for the use of an offensive weapon.
This marked a consequential outcome for Foster, setting the stage for further legal developments.
Mitigation plea
During the mitigation phase, Foster's defence sought leniency, emphasizing his remorse, cooperation during the trial, and his status as a first-time offender.
The defence portrayed Foster as a young man with a promising future, unjustly entangled in the circumstances leading to the incident.
However, the prosecution vehemently opposed this plea for mitigation, asserting that the gravity of the offence warranted the maximum punishment of life imprisonment.
Legal appeal
In the aftermath of the sentencing, Murtala Inusah, EIB Network's Legal Affairs Correspondent, reported from the courtroom that Foster's legal team expressed their intention to appeal the conviction and the subsequent sentencing.
This indicates that the legal complexities of the case are far from over, with the possibility of further judicial scrutiny.
Background
The case's background, as presented to the jury, delved into the property dispute that escalated into the fatal shooting.
Mr Ebenezer Ekow Ayaim, a businessman, reported unauthorized activity on his land multiple times, leading to recommendations from the police for Razak Mohammed and his colleagues to assist in the construction of a fence around the disputed land.
Tragically, on September 26, 2016, during an inspection of the land, a confrontation ensued, resulting in the fatal shooting of Razak Mohammed and injuries to another individual.
The prosecution presented evidence from witnesses, including the complainant, the building contractor Stephen Ansah, and police officers, establishing the chronological sequence of events leading to the tragic incident.
Autopsy
Crucially, the evidence presented to the jury included details of an autopsy conducted on the deceased, Razak Mohammed.
Detective Chief Inspector Osei Yeboah, stationed at the Kpeshie Divisional CID headquarters, testified that the autopsy revealed a gunshot wound at the right part of the chest.
Photographs of the body and the crime scene were taken, and the body was conveyed to the Police Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The legal proceedings culminated in a life sentence for Bismark Ato Foster, with the looming prospect of an appeal casting a shadow over the case.