Chicago, IL — June 26, 2025
The Ghanaian community in Chicago and beyond is reeling from the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a beloved leader and advocate. Mr. John Henry Assabill, former President of the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago ( GNC) , passed away unexpectedly today at the age of 73. His death was not preceded by any known illness, adding to the shock and sorrow that now blankets the community.
The announcement came with solemnity and reverence from Nana Abayie, the Asantefiuhene of Chicago, who declared across community platforms:
“ATTENTION ATTENTION. I do this with a deep regret to announce that we just lost Mr. John Henry Assabill, former president of the Ghana National Council. May he rest in peace.”
Mr. Assabill served as GNC President from 2008 to 2014, years marked by visionary leadership and pragmatic innovation. Among his enduring contributions was the implementation of gate fees at GhanaFest, a bold policy introduced to address dwindling sponsorship and preserve the festival’s vibrancy. Though met with initial skepticism, this move proved pivotal—it safeguarded one of the diaspora’s most cherished celebrations and ensured its continuity for future generations.
Outside his organizational endeavors, Mr. Assabill was an industrious entrepreneur and a respected member of the Cab Drivers Association, proudly holding medallion in Chicago’s taxi industry.
To some, he was a leader. To many, a friend. And to all, a giant whose legacy will ripple through time.
As the “Ghanaian flag in Chicago” lowers its head in grief, preparations to honor his life and service will be forthcoming. Details will be shared with the community once arrangements are confirmed.
For now, we pause. We reflect. And we give thanks for the life of John Henry Assabill—a man whose name, like his efforts, will never be forgotten.
Sankofaonline
Dad may your soul rest in peace why you left us in this wicked world you told me to come home this Summer mean your last word hmmmmm
May your soul rest in perfect peace.thanks for your help to so many people around the world
Rest easy, uncle. You were a pillar of strength and a beacon of kindness. Although we grieve today, we take comfort in knowing you are at peace.
John taught me most of what I know about Ghana and African society when I worked with him at Transit Funding/Yellow Cab. He welcomed my wife and me to Ghana Fest every year and gave me the name of Nana Kwesi which was an honor. John was a great friend and will be dearly missed.
John Heny Assabill was a great friend and I had the honor to serve him as an attorney. I always called John Henry “Mr. President”, in honor of his role as President of the Ghana National Council in Chicago. In that role, John Henry, at great personal expense, made possible the Ghana Fest in Washington Park. John Henry loved his fellow Ghanaians, and did all he could to elevate his countrymen materially and spiritually. May a ring of angels surround John Henry, and protect him, as he ascends in his new journey to the higher spiritual realms.