The award was in recognition of his contributions towards the promotion of Judo in Ghana and Africa in general.

Mr. Tetteh, who is also an Assistant Commissioner of Customs Division in charge of Transit, was decorated with the honours by the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Tsutomu Himeno at his residence last Friday, January 17, 2019 in Accra.

Mr Himeno, who paid a glowing tribute to Mr Tetteh, over his passion for Judo, said he was overwhelmed with the enthusiasm, with which he treats Judo in Ghana.

He urged him not to relent on his passion for the sports but to further contribute to the development of the sport in Ghana.

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr Isaac Crentsil, the Commissioner of the Customs Division of the GRA, extolled Mr. Tetteh, as a disciplinarian, who is dedicated to any duty entrusted with him.

He urged him to continue to serve as an example for the young officers in the Customs Division, saying “GRA-Customs Division is proud of you”.

Mr. Tetteh expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana and his staff for their diverse roles in his nomination and winning of the award.

He also commended the leadership of the GRA-Customs Division, Ghana Olympics Committee (GOC), National Sports Authority (NSA), and the Judo Federation of Ghana for their supports in the promotion of Judo in Ghana.

According to Mr Tetteh, Judo is not only a sport but a culture and a way of life as the discipline has helped him to excel in everything he does.

He said “each one of the values of Judo has strengthened me”, promising that he would continue to promote Judo in Ghana and beyond.

Judo is a martial art that was born in Japan, and it is now known around the world as an Olympic sport.

The Order of the Rising Sun is awarded to those, who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment.

Judo is one of the disciplines that Ghana wants to qualify to participate at the 2020 Olympic Games to be hosted by Japan in Tokyo.