John S. Nabila

John Sebiyam Nabila (died October 2025) was a Ghanaian politician, geographer, philanthropist and academic. He was Chief of the Kpasenkpe traditional area (Wulugu, Nameyela, Sariba, Nabari, Duu, Arigu, Dibsi Arba, etc.) in the North East Region of Ghana. He served as the president of the National House of Chiefs from 2008 to 2016. He was a member of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation board. He was the Minister for Information and Tourism in the Limann government.

Early and working life John Nabila hailed from the Kpasenkpe in the North East Region of Ghana. He started his school at Kpasenkpe L/A school and later in his life, he went to Accra to further his education. As he had worked on several geography related issues in Ghana, he was seen as an advocate and philanthropist for improved family life policies. The traditional area Wulugu, is within the West Mamprusi municipality in the North East Region, Ghana. As paramount chief, he sought the well-being of his people by promoting activities that encourage the improvement of the livelihood of his people.

President of House of Chiefs In 2008 he contested the presidency of the National House of Chiefs. He won by obtaining 34 out of 47 valid votes cast. His contender was Daasebre Professor Oti Boateng, paramount chief of the New-Juaben Traditional Area, who had 13 votes. He used all avenues to preach peace to Ghanaians especially during national elections. During his time as president, he authored the "National House of Chiefs’ Code of Royal Ethics for Chiefs", which is a reference material for the conduct of members of the House. He also used his position to intervene and finding solutions to national disputes including helping to resolve a 2015 impasse between striking medical Doctors and the Government of Ghana over conditions of service. His term as president of the house ended in 2016. He handed over to Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State.

Death Nabila died after a short illness in Accra, which was announced on 27 October 2025.

Positions Former Minister for Information and Tourism Former Minister for Information, Presidential and Special Affairs Former President, National House of Chiefs Member, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Board Member, Legal Affairs Committee, NHC Member, International Union for the Scientific Study of Population Member, Social Science and Medicine Africa Network Vice Chairman, National Population Council Former Head, Department of Geography and Resource Development (UG) Editor, Bulletin of the Ghana Geographical Association

Appointments In 2017, President Nana Akuffo-Addo appointed him to be a board member of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation.