Ghana’s building cost inflation picked up in July 2026, as higher prices for construction materials, plant and equipment pushed overall costs upward.

New data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) shows that building cost inflation rose to 4.0% in July 2026, up from 3.1% in June.

According to the July 2026 Prime Building Cost Index (PBCI), the overall cost of putting up a building was 4.0% higher than a year earlier, while prices increased by 0.3% between June and July 2026.

The PBCI increased to 138.3 in July 2026, compared with 133.0 in July 2025.

Despite the latest increase, construction cost pressures remain far lower than they were a year ago. Building cost inflation stood at 14.2% in July 2025, highlighting the significant slowdown recorded over the past 12 months.

Construction materials remain the biggest driver

Materials continued to have the biggest influence on building costs.

Inflation for construction materials rose to 5.1% in July, from 3.9% in June. Materials account for 76.5% of the PBCI basket and contributed about 97.3% of the upward pressure on overall building inflation.

Plant and equipment costs also recorded a notable increase, with inflation rising to 18.0% in July, up from 16.0% in June.

Although plant and equipment account for only 4% of the index basket, the sharp increase shows that contractors and developers are still facing significant cost pressures in this area.

Labour costs continue to decline

Labour costs moved in the opposite direction, helping to ease some of the pressure on builders.

Overall labour costs declined by 3.2% year-on-year in July, compared with a 2.6% decline in June.

Skilled labour costs fell by 2.0%, while unskilled labour costs dropped by 5.2%.

This means that while the cost of some building materials and equipment is rising, labour has become relatively cheaper compared with the same period last year.

Plumbing and roofing record sharp price increases

Several individual construction items recorded double-digit price increases.

Plumbing costs rose by 25.3%, making it the fastest-rising item during the period. This was followed by:

  • Small tools – 22.6%

  • Roofing sheets – 21.4%

  • Glazing – 20.4%

  • Reinforcement – 20.2%

Electrical works, metalwork, glazing, plumbing and tiles were among the biggest contributors to the overall increase in building costs.

However, not every construction input became more expensive.

Cement prices declined by 9.8%, while steel prices fell by 8.9%. Fine aggregate also became cheaper, dropping by 5.0%.

The figures suggest that anyone planning a building project may be experiencing a mixed cost environment. Some of the basic materials needed for structural work have become cheaper, but costs linked to installations, equipment, tools and finishing works remain elevated.

What this means for people building in Ghana

The GSS advised households and businesses to base their construction budgets on current market prices rather than assuming that every building material is becoming more expensive.

With prices moving in different directions, comparing quotations from several suppliers could make a meaningful difference to the total cost of a project.

For government, the relatively low level of building inflation could also create room to improve the delivery of infrastructure projects.

However, the Statistical Service stressed the need for closer monitoring of plant and installation costs, while encouraging stronger investment in artisan skills, procurement data and local supply chains.

For developers and households, the latest figures offer some relief compared with last year, but the rise from 3.1% to 4.0% shows that construction cost pressures have not disappeared entirely.