Building cost inflation rises to 5.1% in September 2026 – GSS

Ghana’s building cost inflation increased to 5.1 percent in September 2026, up from 4.6 percent recorded in August, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

The latest Prime Building Cost Index (PBCI) report indicates that construction costs were 5.1 percent higher compared to the same period in 2025, while prices increased marginally by 0.03 percent between August and September 2026.

The rise was largely driven by increases in the cost of plant and equipment, which recorded the highest annual inflation rate among the three major construction input groups.

According to the GSS, plant and equipment inflation climbed to 19.1 percent in September from 17.9 percent in August, making it a major contributor to the overall increase in building costs.

The materials category also recorded an increase in inflation, rising from 5.8 percent in August to 6.5 percent in September.

However, labour costs continued to decline on a year-on-year basis, with the inflation rate falling to -3.2 percent in September, compared to -2.9 percent in the previous month.

A further breakdown of the data showed that reinforcement materials recorded the highest annual inflation rate of 29.0 percent, while steel registered the lowest rate at -8.8 percent.

Of the 23 construction input sub-groups monitored by the Statistical Service, 14 recorded inflation rates above the national building cost inflation rate of 5.1 percent.

In a statement accompanying the report, the GSS explained that the Prime Building Cost Index measures changes in the prices of essential construction inputs, including materials, labour, plant and equipment.

The index uses 2023 as its reference year, with a base value of 100, to track movements in construction costs over time.

“In simple terms, the PBCI shows whether it is becoming more expensive or cheaper to build compared to a previous period,” the Service explained.

It added that the data serves as an important reference for investors, property developers, contractors and policymakers in planning construction projects and assessing cost movements.

“PBCI is used by key stakeholders including investors, developers, contractors, and policy makers to negotiate contracts, adjust bids, budget effectively, and monitor inflation trends in the building sector,” the statement noted.

September-2026-PBCI-Bulletin

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