Ghana will put in a bid to host the 2017 African Cup of Nations, Sports Minister Mahama Ayariga has disclosed.

The minister announced this Tuesday.

Libya had won the bid to host the 2017 edition but the ongoing war in the north African country means a new host would would have to be selected.

CAF has announced that they will receive applications for the new hosts until 30 September 2014, and will announce the host in 2015.

Mahama Ayariga said on twitter: "I am happy to announce that Ghana will bid to host the 2017 African Cup of Nations. #GHForAFCON2017."

If successful, the West African country will be hosting Africa's biggest football tournament for the second time in nine years.

In 2008 Ghana hosted the tournament and placed third after beating the Ivory Coast.