Ghana has expressed interest to bid for the 2017 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations after Libya pulled out.

The North African country cannot host the Afcon due to the unstable security situation in the country.

Ghana’s Sports Minister, Mahama Ayariga, disclosed at a public event on Tuesday that the West African nation’s interest to bid for the hosting right is meant to honour past footballers.

Ghana last hosted the continent’s top-flight football competition in 2008 and placed third. Libya were due to host the tournament in 2013, but pulled out in 2011 due to political upheaval.

South Africa were named as hosts in Libya’s stead following an agreement that Libya would host the 2017 edition, which South Africa had originally been billed to host.

Caf has opened applications until Tuesday, September 30, 2014.

“In addition to the government guarantee, and considering the limited time left for the organisation of the 2017 edition, the CAF Executive Committee will select a host country whose dossier guarantees that accommodation, transportation and hotels facilities, as well as training sites and stadiums already exist.

“The designation of the host country will be made known at a meeting of the Executive Committee in 2015,” a Caf statement read.

Kenya and Tanzania have also expressed interest.