Accra, June 23, GNA- Johnnic Communications Group, a South African movie venture, is to officially launch its operations in Ghana on July 2. The launching ceremony would formalise 10 weeks of business operations of Nu-Metro Theatres, a subsidiary of the South African company.

A press release, issued in Accra, on Wednesday, described Nu-Metro Theatres as a leading provider of theatrical entertainment in Africa with ventures in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria.

The release, issued by the Global Media Alliance Limited (GMA), a partner of Johnnic Communications West Africa Limited (JCWAL) said patrons were expected from Nigeria, South Africa and the United Kingdom for the event that would screen premiered films like " Harry Porter" and "The Prisoner of Azkaban," "The Passion of Christ" and "The Day After Tomorrow," that would run for three days.

It said almost 20,000 patrons had visited the Accra International Conference Centre within the 10 weeks of operations.

"Aside movies, the concept is to offer movie goers the total movie going experience as pertains around the world with confectionary." The company plans to introduce media kiosks where one could obtain the most current books, compact discs, digital videodiscs and a host of entertainment items.

The release quoted Mr Brian Pottinger, Chief Executive Officer of Johnnic Communications, Africa as saying: " JCWAL is delighted at the progress it is making in the Ghanaian market and believes this will contribute towards the accelerated growth of the entertainment industry in Ghana."

Mr Akwasi Agyeman, Business Director of GMA said: "GMA will strive through the partnership to contribute to the growth of the media industry. Already we have received a lot of commendation but we will not rest on our oars but ensure that we contribute our quota to the growth of the industry."

He said GMA was dedicated to the challenges of encouraging the growth of the media industry in Ghana.

The release said JCWAL was one of the main partners in the proposed Tetteh Quarshie Mall, which incorporates a five screen ultra-modern and high-tech cinema complex scheduled for be completion in 2005.