The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has paid tribute to former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou, who passed away at the age of 77.

Hayatou, the longest-serving leader in the history of African football, passed away on Thursday in Paris on the eve of his birthday.

Tributes have been pouring in following the demise of Hayatou, who served as president of CAF from 1988 until March 2017.

The Ghana FA has joined the masses to mourn the death of the celebrated former CAF leader.

“The Ghana Football Association mourns the passing of former CAF President Issa Hayatou, who led CAF from 1988 to 2017. His visionary leadership played a crucial role in advancing African football. Our deepest condolences go to his family and the football community. Rest in peace, President Hayatou,” wrote the GFA on Instagram.

Hayatou's leadership in African football spanned nearly three decades. In 2017, he was succeeded by Malagasy Ahmad Ahmad before Patrice Motsepe took over the reins.

In addition to his role at CAF, Hayatou briefly served as interim President of FIFA from October 2015 to February 2016, following the suspension of Sepp Blatter.

During his interim leadership, he oversaw the FIFA elections that brought the current President, Gianni Infantino, into office.