In recent times, few titles in Ghana have generated as much public discussion as Chief Justice, from the controversies surrounding the immediate past occupant of the office to the appointment of the current one.
However, to the people of Oguaa, the name evokes a very different personality.
Here, Chief Justice is a nine-year-old progidy who walks on stilts, waves flags, recites dramatic poetry and captivates audiences with his remarkable cultural talent — but not in a courtroom.
Known officially as Justice Masko Mackey Otoo, the young performer from Cape Coast, popularly called Chief Justice or simply CJ, has already performed before some of Ghana’s most prominent traditional and public figures.
CJ, who turned nine on August 19 this year, is a Class Four pupil of Calvary Hillcrest Schools in Cape Coast.
His journey began almost as soon as he could walk.
According to his father, Nana Otu, a designer, tailor and cultural performer, CJ developed an interest in the art before he was two.
Whenever he watched members of the family’s masquerade group perform, he would remove his shirt and imitate their flag displays.
Recognising his interest, his father made him a miniature flag to practise with.
That simple gesture marked the beginning of an unusual journey.
Today, CJ is a member of the Justice Masqueraders of Cape Coast, a troupe established about two decades ago with the motto, “No Justice, No Peace.” His father’s experience has provided the young performer with both a teacher and a cultural tradition to inherit.
The name Justice also has a family history.
He was named after his late uncle, Justice Kae Debi, an Asafo drummer. Kae Debi earned the title “Chief Justice” because of his fairness in handling issues, and people later adopted the title for the young Justice.
Although stilt walking remains his most spectacular skill, CJ is also a drummer, dancer, poet and narrator.
He has performed at events in several parts of the country, including the Westside Carnival in Takoradi.
His growing reputation has brought him into contact with prominent personalities.
At nine, he has met the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II; Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang; Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II; and the Yagbowura, Bikunuto Jewu Soale I. Jamaican dancehall artiste Popcaan has also collaborated with him.
It was his encounter with Otumfuo at the 2024 Oguaa Fetu Afahye, during the Asantehene’s visit to the Emintsimadze Palace, that brought him into the national spotlight.
At the just-ended 62nd Oguaa Fetu Afahye, CJ again demonstrated his dexterity, riding in the palanquin with the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, as the procession made its way to the durbar grounds.
CJ initially wanted to become a soldier, but now hopes to become a lawyer.
His story brings to mind the words of Proverbs 22:29: “Do you see a man skilful in his work? He will stand before kings.”
At nine, Chief Justice has already stood before kings.
And while his stilts may give him the physical height to rise above a crowd, it is his talent, discipline and the cultural tradition handed down by his father that will continue to give him a platform.
