In Ghana’s vibrant media landscape, where personalities come and go like trending hashtags, Cynthia Tima Yeboah, known widely as Tima Kumkum, has become an enduring voice – warm, commanding, and authentic.
From humble beginnings to becoming a household name, Tima’s journey is a story of bold pivots, brave reinvention, and the beauty of staying true to one’s calling.
She’s not just a TV host or a radio voice. She’s a movement rooted in service, built on purpose, and powered by resilience.
Raised in Obuasi by her parents, Mary Andzi Quainoo and Felix Kwaah Yeboah, Tima’s childhood was laced with strong family values and community spirit.
But her big break didn’t come from a carefully planned audition. It was serendipity.
While studying journalism at IBM&J in Kumasi, a classmate who is now an industry stalwart, Prince Minkah, invited her to be part of a TV drama discussion show, Abrabɔ Mu Nsɛm.
Her boldness caught the eye of legendary actress Naana Hayford, who encouraged her to act.
Days later, Tima landed a minor role as a witch but destiny had more in store.
While casually talking on the phone on a film set, she was spotted by director Asare Bediako, who saw star power in her presence.
Soon, she landed her first lead role as Sandra in Asem Asa (2007), launching her into Kumawood fame.
Roles in Obra, Aden, Sugar, and more followed.
In 2008, Tima moved to Accra for her national service as a teacher. While juggling classroom duties and weekend film shoots, the balancing act proved too demanding.
Something had to give.
She redirected her path once again, enrolling at Jayee University College to complete a top-up degree while interning at TV Africa.
Post-graduation in 2011, she started national service at Graphic Communications Group, but health complications during pregnancy led her to seek a transfer which landed her at Multimedia Group.
Her resilience during pregnancy earned her the nickname “the pregnant but tireless worker.”
When her service ended without a job offer, she left with grace but didn’t close the door.
In 2014, she got the callback that would change everything. Multimedia remembered her.
Despite being heavily pregnant again, she secured a role as Channel Executive and returned to work just two months after delivery.
The Rise of Kumkum
In 2015, the tide shifted.
She started as a voice-over artist for 4Kids Paradise and red-carpet entertainment but her voice quickly became a sensation.
Audiences fell in love and wanted to see the face behind the sound. When a host for Kumkum Bhagya Chatroom was suddenly unavailable, Tima stepped in.
Hosting in Twi felt daunting at first but she crushed it.
By 2017, she was the face of Kumkum on Adom TV, turning soap operas into cultural events.
From there, she hosted the Aben Show for 11 successful seasons, steered Yenbo Nkommo on Adom FM, and co-hosted Red Carpet Year in Review.
She also held down a seven-year stint on Hitz FM as a relationship show host, growing a loyal following.
Tima isn’t just about on-screen sparkle. Through her Tima Kumkum Foundation, she supports teen mothers, orphans, fibroid patients, and inmates at Osu Correctional Centre.
Her digital series, Be Inspired by Tima, dives deep into emotional healing, life journeys, and untold stories.
With over 1 million followers each on Facebook and Instagram, and over 65,000 on Threads, she’s built a powerful digital tribe.
Through it, she mentors aspiring journalists and challenges media to embrace ethical, impactful storytelling.
Her shelf is lined with accolades:
- Media Personality of the Year (2023) – Africa Art & Achievers Awards
- African Female Digital Influencer (2023) – Ladies in Media
- Outstanding Woman Personality (2022) – Global Women Leadership Summit
- GOWA Outstanding Woman TV Host (2018)
- Pan African Youth Empowerment Ambassador (2018–2022)
- And over a dozen more national and continental honors
Tima is also a brand ambassador for numerous corporate brands in Ghana.
Now a Master’s degree holder in Public Relations from Unimac-GIJ, Tima is developing a new podcast series to amplify unsung Ghanaian voices and working on expanding her foundation internationally.
Her long-term vision? A media academy to train the next generation of ethical, multimedia-savvy journalists.
“Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed. Everything else is public relations.” – George Orwell. This is a quote Tima lives by walking the talk.
“Dear listeners, thank you for being part of this amazing journey. I promise to continue delivering stories that make you laugh, think, and feel. We’ll keep growing together, uplifting each other with truth, hope, and inspiration. Stay listening, stay inspired!”
Cynthia Tima Yeboah; media personality, changemaker and a woman of her word who didn’t just climb the ladder but rebuilt it so others can rise too.
