Former Mentor contestant jailed for life?

A former participant of the reality TV show "Mentor" has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of manslaughter by a jury consisting of seven members according to a report by Starr FM. Bismark Ato Foster faced charges of murder and the use of an offensive weapon, resulting in the death of Razak Mohammed at Nungua Coco-Beach on September 26, 2016.

Despite pleading not guilty to both charges, Foster was found guilty of manslaughter, not murder, by the jury seven years after the incident occurred. Initially, the jury delivered a 6-1 guilty verdict for both charges, but after further deliberations, they returned with a guilty verdict for manslaughter and the use of an offensive weapon.

Presiding Judge Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh sentenced Foster to life imprisonment after discharging the jury. Additionally, he received a 25-year sentence for the use of an offensive weapon, with both punishments running concurrently.

During the plea for mitigation, Foster's defense counsel requested leniency from the court, highlighting that he was a first-time offender who had conducted himself properly throughout the trial. They emphasized Foster's young age, his remorse, and the accidental nature of the incident, appealing for the judge's mercy and minimum punishment.

The prosecution opposed the defense's plea for mitigation, arguing that the gravity of the offense warranted the maximum punishment of life imprisonment to serve as a deterrent to others. They pointed out that the gun went off twice, suggesting intentionality.

Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzu, after hearing the arguments, sentenced Foster to life in prison. The convict's lawyers have expressed their intention to appeal against the conviction and subsequent sentencing.

The case involved a complaint made by Ebenezer Ekow Ayaim, a businessman who owned two plots of land at Nungua Coco Beach area. Ayaim reported the encroachment on his land to the police on multiple occasions, and on September 26, 2016, he contacted Razak Mohammed and his colleagues to inspect the land for a construction project. During the inspection, a gunshot was heard, resulting in Razak's death and another person's injury. The subsequent investigation led to the arrest and prosecution of Bismark Ato Foster.

These details were presented in court by witnesses, including the complainant, building contractor Stephen Ansah, police officer G/CPL Dei-Ofori Ceaser, and Detective Chief Inspector Osei Yeboah from the Kpeshie Divisional CID headquarters. The evidence included witness testimonies, photographs of the crime scene and the deceased's body, and statements taken from the accused.