Ghana are candidates to host the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in 2017 after Libya stepped down from doing so, Ghana's sports minister Mahama Ayariga announced on Tuesday.

Ghana hosted the finals as recently as 2008 and so stadiums in the capital Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi and Tamale already meet requirements.

It was confirmed last Friday that Libya had stepped down following a meeting with Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Issa Hayatou at their headquarters in Cairo.

The Libyans blamed "the unstable current security situation in the country."

Libya previously had to give up the staging of the 2013 CAN because of the recent conflict in the country, with South Africa taking its place.

Other countries wishing to host the 2017 finals must state their interest by September 30, with the CAF saying they "will select a host country whose dossier guarantees that accomodation, transportation and hotels facilities, as well as training sites and stadiums already exists."

Algeria, Kenya and Tanzania have also expressed an interest in hosting the finals. The winning bid will be announced some time next year.