His elevation has been confirmed by world governing body the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).

Lartey Otu is the first Ghanaian to achieve the rank after he had served as a second class referee for five years.

He told Graphic Online: "Out of 12 officiating experiences required to qualify for promotion to first class and a minimum period of five years after I was promoted to second class, I made 14 officiating experiences to achieve this height."

Otu has served as a referee or judge at numerous events, including the WTF World Championships.

He has also served at both the junior and senior African Taekwondo Championships, the All African Games, the Youth Olympic Games, World Taekwondo Grand Prix tournaments and Olympic qualifiers.

In addition, he is a member of the Commonwealth Taekwondo Union Referees Committee and the vice president of the West Africa Taekwondo International Referees Association.

Ghana has never qualified a taekwondo player for the Olympic Games.