Stadia for Ghana's 2012 CAN matches ready

Construction of the stadium in Franceville, the match venue for Ghana's group matches at the 2012 African Nations Cup has been completed in time for the tournament.

Louis Claude Moundzieoud Koumba, chief spokesman for the organising committee COCAN Gabon, said on Friday the 25,000-seat ground in Franceville is now finished.

"We can assure you that everything is ready to host the tournament," Koumba said through a translator. "It was a challenge but it was a priority for the country and now they are waiting for the fans."

Ghana's first game at the finals will be against newcomers, Botswana on January 24, three days after the tournament kicks off.

The Black Stars will follow up their opener with fixtures against West African rivals, Mali four days later and Guinea on February 1 at the same stadium.

Gabon will co-host the 2012 African Nations Cup with Equatorial Guinea. The tournament will kick off on January 21 and run till February 12.