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Jackie Appiah is my inspiration – The Billionaire’s Wife actress Andriana Akua Amegbor says
Andriana Akua Amegbor
She may be new to the game but 21-year-old Ghanaian actress Andriana Akua Amegbor is already a fan-favourite with her role in the Ghanaian Showmax Original drama series ‘The Billionaire’s Wife.’
Andriana acts as ‘Adepa’, a young woman who fights her way to the top and marries a billionaire (played by Kingsley Yamoah), only to find out that being a billionaire’s wife is the toughest thing she’s ever done.
In this Showmax exclusive interview, Andriana, speaks about what it means to have her first lead role and her biggest inspiration in the Ghanaian film industry and more.
This is your first major role on screen. How does it feel?
It felt unreal when I first saw myself on screen. For a second, I thought I was dreaming, except in this dream I was wide awake and when reality hit me, I didn’t know how to feel any longer. I felt joy, a bit of fear, excitement, and panic, and a feeling of great responsibility just rushing in. I love it.
Would you say you felt some kind of pressure to get it right?
Yes! This is my very first project and a very important one with me playing the lead. I didn’t want to have any flaws, setbacks or make any mistakes in my delivery; I wanted to be perfect. I felt that if I didn’t deliver perfectly then I would only be wasting the time and effort of everyone working on the project, and this thought weighed heavily on me.
What is it about Adepa that speaks to you the most and that made you take the role?
Adepa doesn’t settle for anything less than what she feels she deserves, therefore, she goes out there and gets what she wants, even though her means may be questionable. I call that a goal-getter.
Adepa has fought her way to get to where she is. Do you relate to her experiences in any way?
Well, I will say that nothing has ever been handed to me; I actually worked for it. I think this is something Adepa experienced and that I can relate to.
What has been the most challenging thing about playing this role?
Being able to cry was actually challenging. I don’t tear up easily but Adepa’s life had a lot of emotional moments where she needed to cry. Somewhere along the line I discovered a trick that worked for me, which made things less challenging.
Anything this character has taught you about yourself?
I’ve always seen myself as a working-class lady but after walking in Adepa’s shoes and experiencing the luxury, comfort and transformation Bill’s money gave her, I realised I honestly wouldn’t mind being the wife of a rich giver. I didn’t think of things this way until I met Adepa. Don’t tell my parents I said this!
How was it directed by Danny Adotey, and working with the entire crew of The Billionaire’s Wife?
It was an amazing experience to be accepted and treated like family. The unity and love on set was beautiful and the fact that everyone kept giving me tips on how to improve on myself made me feel calm, safe, comfortable and that I belonged.
Which Ghanaian actor or actress would you say inspires you the most, and why?
The actress, Jackie Appiah, is my inspiration. I find her hard working, really talented, focused, an achiever, a strong woman, reserved and very beautiful. She makes her job seem effortless and I would like to be like her someday.
Why do you think Ghanaians will relate to Adepa’s story?
Ghanaians will relate to Adepa’s story because the majority of us are no strangers to poverty. Adepa is playing the role of their reality. Her means to a better life may be different for every person but her struggle is being lived by many.
How has it been acting alongside an actor like Kingsley Yamoah? Any lessons you’ve learnt from him seeing as he’s been in the industry for a while?
Acting alongside Mr. Kingsley Yamoah was really cool and fun. He’s jovial and this makes working with him very comfortable. He gave me a few pointers when we were on set but the one that really stuck was: “Treat every scene like you are auditioning for the role and give it your very best”. This I will be keeping forever.
By Spectator Reporter
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NHIA set to boost its cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), in partnership with a leading private cybersecurity solutions provider in Ghana, CyberHawk Limited, is advancing the Authority’s digital infrastructure to ensure seamless operations.
This is to safeguard the Authority’s digital technologies and maintain the trust of active members of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
In this context, the NHIA Management Information System (MIS) Directorate in the Head Office, on February 11, 2024, launched a three-day brainstorming session on the organization’s cybersecurity enhancement agenda.
The MIS Directorate Ag. Director, Mr. Daniel Blankson explained that the collaborative meeting aimed to scrutinize the NHIA’s Information Technology architecture, identifying potential risks and gapsto enhance its cybersecurity posture.
“By leveraging CyberHawk Limited’s expertise, the NHIA seeks to fortify its defenses against cyber threats, protecting sensitive information and maintaining the trust of its members.”
Mr. Blankson applauded the synergy between the two organizations and underscored the Authority’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to drive its mission forward.
The Head of Information Security and Standards Unit, in the MIS Directorate, Mr. Ebenezer Hooper, highlighted the Authority’s significant milestone on the digital transformation journey.
According to him, the NHIA is actively engaged in fully adopting and implementing modern digital systems to improve its operations.
He said, “The three-day brainstorming meeting will culminate in the development of a robust IT infrastructure, as well as strategic plans to translate security implementations into tangible IT cost savings for the organization.”
“There is the need to form a steering committee or IT advisory committee, operated under the Board, so that they can pay more attention in protecting the huge IT investment while ensuring cyber security-related policies are well protected,” he added.
The Project Manager of CyberHawk Limited, Mr. Chetan Narayana Murthy, lauded the collaboration and anticipated that it would empower the NHIA to implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures.
According to him, “This is a huge project that will greatly benefit the NHIA by implementing robust cybersecurity measures, safeguarding their systems, and ultimately protecting the sensitive information of NHIA members and healthcare providers.”
A Senior Manager of IT infrastructure, Mr. David Asare Addo, and his colleague, a Senior Manager of Applications, Mr. Enock Afanyi, with the MIS Directorate, gave an overview of the NHIA’s current technological landscape.
Present at the meeting were representatives from the Claims, Membership and Regional Operations (MRO), Research, Policy, Monitoring, and Evaluation (RPME), Corporate Affairs, the Audit, Administration, and Human Resource Directorates.
Story By : Vivian Arthur
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Swedru All Blacks back to winning ways, Roshan humble King Faisal
Sekondi Rospak FC made it eight wins in eight successive home games after three second-half goals from John Amoah, Joseph Ntow and Stephen Anthony Kofi. John Amoah opened the scoring in the 55th minute after a barren first half. Joseph Ntow added to the tally in the 56th minute before Stephen Anthony Kofi rounded things up in the 74th minute to give Rospak a 3-0 win over former Premier League side King Faisal.
Elsewhere at Swedru – leaders Swedru All Blacks humbled PAC Academy in an emphatic 2-0 win. Zayat Bubakari scored first for Swedru All Blacks in the 27th minute before Rudolf Junior Nana Kwasi Mensah made it 2-0 in the 34th minute. Swedru All Blacks are top of the table with 36 points – 4 points ahead of second placed Rospak FC.
Meanwhile, Former Premier League side Cape Coast Mysterious Dwarfs recorded their fourth successive home victory after beaten New Edubiase United 2-1 at the Robert Mensah Park. Enoch Odoom struck first for Cape Coast Mysterious Dwarfs in the 19th minute but Steven Asante equalized for New Edubiase United before halftime. After the interval, Godfred Eshun scored from distance in the 65th minute to help Cape Coast Mysterious Dwarfs secure all the points.
Here are the results in Zone Two
