Ghana earthquake hoax

Rumours of an impending earthquake caused widespread panic across Ghana this morning.

It began with a text message telling recipients that 'cosmic rays' from the planet Mars would hit Earth after midnight last night, and that people should switch off their mobile phones.

It was indeed a hoax, but it has raised issues about the impact of modern communications technology on national security.

From Accra, Focus on Africa's David Amanor reports.