Ghana’s building cost inflation rose to 5.1% in September 2026 from 4.6% in August, reflecting higher prices for key construction inputs, according to the Ghana Statistical Service.
The latest Prime Building Cost Index shows that the cost of construction was 5.1% higher than in September 2025. On a month-on-month basis, building costs increased marginally by 0.03%.
The index measures changes in the prices of major construction inputs, including building materials, labour, plant and equipment, using 2023 as the base year.
“In simple terms, the PBCI shows whether it is becoming more expensive or cheaper to build compared to a previous period,” the Ghana Statistical Service said.
The Service noted that the index is used by developers, contractors, investors and policymakers to negotiate contracts, adjust bids and monitor cost pressures in the construction industry.
Plant Costs Drive Increase
Plant and equipment recorded the strongest year-on-year increase, rising 19.1% in September from 17.9% in August.
Material costs also accelerated, recording inflation of 6.5%, compared with 5.8% a month earlier.
Labour moved in the opposite direction. The labour group recorded year-on-year inflation of negative 3.2%, compared with negative 2.9% in August.
The figures suggest that equipment and material costs remain the main source of pressure on builders, even as labour costs soften.
Reinforcement Records Highest Inflation
At the sub-group level, reinforcement recorded the highest year-on-year inflation rate at 29.0%.
Steel recorded the lowest rate at negative 8.8%.
Out of the 23 sub-groups tracked under the index, 14 recorded inflation above the national building cost average of 5.1%.
The increase in the headline index means contractors and developers continue to face higher input costs, particularly for machinery, equipment and selected materials, despite relatively modest month-on-month movement in September.
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