Kingsley Kwamina Ayew Yamoah

EARLY LIFE

Kingsley Kwamina Ayew Yamoah was born on 6 May 1966 and hails from Apam in Ghana’s Central Region. He spent part of his early years in Nigeria with his family, completing primary and ordinary-level education at Bodija International School in Ibadan and Abadina College (both linked to the University of Ibadan campus). He later returned to Ghana for Sixth Form at the prestigious Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast. Additional studies took him to the Institute of Management in Accra, the African Literature Centre in Kitwe, Zambia, and Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada (1989–1993). Growing up, he aspired to work in public relations within the hospitality industry.

CAREER

Before acting, Yamoah worked in the food and beverage/hospitality sector and remains a hotelier. He owns Desperados Bar and Grill at Ashaley Botwe in Accra. His professional acting career began relatively later in life (in his forties), with his breakthrough role as “The rich man” in the Sparrow Productions television series Peep (directed by Shirley Frimpong-Manso) in 2010. He has described the role as one of his most challenging and has stated, “I don’t like acting, I love acting.” He is frequently cast in authoritative, wealthy, or stern “big man”/boss characters and has expressed interest in more epic and antagonistic roles set in rural environments. Notable television series credits include Peep, Adam’s Apple, Tenants, V-Republic, Shampaign, Five Brides, Sunshine Avenue, Charade, Table of Men, Church Wahala, Heels and Sneakers, Housekeepers, RSM, Madam, The Billionaire’s Wife (as the no-nonsense billionaire Bill Gyimah), and Khutam. Film credits include The Pledge, Potomanto, Blood On The Dance Floor, Venom, Stalemate, Game Plan, Indian Money, Silence, Man of Many Languages, The Funeral of Kwadae, and the 2025 short film The Article (directed by Mark Cofie Jnr). He has also appeared in theatre productions such as The Second Coming of Nkrumah (by Latif Abubakar) and plays the chief on the dispute-settlement series Ahenfie Court. In 2025 he featured in the political biopic Legacy Africa (produced by Global Village Productions / linked to Dr. Robert Peprah-Gyamfi, directed by Godfidence/Confidence Losu), which premiered in Accra. The film explores leadership, African heritage, and youth responsibility. He has appeared in television commercials for brands including Kasapreko, OLX, MTN Ghana, and FanMilk. He cites Ghanaian actor Adjetey Annan as a favourite and continues to seek varied, challenging roles.

PERSONAL LIFE

He is married and has children. He describes himself as an ambivert. In interviews he has spoken of balancing professional demands with family life and has referenced personal challenges, including filming while grieving the loss of a younger sister. He maintains a distinctive on-screen look (often clean-shaven with a trademark silver-tinged beard) and is known for a commanding presence and infectious smile.

Don K is recognised for his late but steady rise in the Ghanaian film and television industry, strong screen presence, and versatility across drama, comedy, and authoritative roles. He balances acting with entrepreneurship in hospitality and remains active in both local productions and projects with broader African themes.