NU-METRO THEATRES, a subsidiary of the Johnnic Communications Group of South Africa, has launched its movie business in Ghana, since March 2004. The venture is a partnership between Johnnic Communications West Africa Limited (JCWAL), a subsidiary of Johnnic Communications and Global Media Alliance (GMA) Ghana Ltd.

Johnnic Communications West Africa Limited is one of the main anchor tenants in the proposed Tetteh Quarshie Mall, which incorporates a 5-screen ultra-modern, and high-tech cinema complex, scheduled to be completed in 2005.

In the interim, JCWAL and GMA have taken out a lease to start showing Block Buster movies, from Friday to Sunday, at the Accra International Conference Centre. The movies would be the most current premiering around the world.

Aside movies, the concept is to offer movie-goers the total movie-going experience as pertains around the world. There will be confectionery such as popcorn, drink, sweets, ice cream, etc. There will also be media kiosks where one can obtain the most current books, CDs, DVDs and a host of entertainment items.

JCWAL is delighted to enter the Ghanaian media market through this partnership, and hopes to contribute toward the accelerated growth of the entertainment industry in Ghana, outlined Brian Pottinger, chief executive officer (CEO) of JCWAL, Africa.

If this novelty idea worked out, it will be expanded to a number of other regions in Ghana. Movie lovers in Accra and Tema can now look forward to enjoying good Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood movies.

Mr Akwasi Agyeman, business director of GMA observed: ?The philosophy underlying GMA?s business is to showcase the best media and entertainment products, and this partnership is coming into being at an ideal time?, GMA is dedicated to the challenges of encouraging the growth of the media industry in Ghana.

GMA, an international programme distribution, Media and Marketing Consulting Company, is also the exclusive product distribution representative of Turner Broadcasting System Europe Ltd (TBSEL) in Africa, and is responsible for the distribution of CNN International, Cartoon Network, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), and partners with TBSEL and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, (SABC) in the organisation of the CNN African Journalist Awards.

Nu-Metro, a subsidiary of Johnnic Communications, is the leading provider of theatrical entertainment in Africa, and has theatres in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria.