Building costs rise for second straight month in July - GSS

The cost of building in Ghana increased for the second consecutive month in July 2026, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

The Prime Building Cost Index rose to 4.0% in July, up from 3.1% in June, indicating that building costs were higher than they were in July 2025.

The increase was mainly driven by a sharp rise in the cost of machinery and equipment used on construction sites. Prices in this category increased by 18.0% year-on-year.

In a report released by the GSS on August 26, 2026, the Service said the cost of building materials also increased by 5.1%. However, labour costs fell by 3.2%, continuing a downward trend observed in recent months.

Here's how much a coconut seller in Accra earns on average

This represents a significant change from July 2025, when labour costs increased by 17.5%, while machinery and equipment costs rose by 11.8%.

Among the various building items tracked by the GSS, plumbing recorded the largest increase, with prices rising by 25.3%.

It was followed by small tools, which increased by 22.6%, and roofing sheets, which rose by 21.4%.

However, some key building materials became cheaper. Cement prices fell by 9.8%, while steel prices dropped by 8.9%.

The cost of unskilled labour also declined by 5.2%, while fine aggregate prices fell by 5.0%.

5 African business giants who stepped back from their companies

The figures show that although the prices of some building materials and labour are declining, contractors continue to face higher costs for machinery, plumbing and several other construction items.

DR/MA

Ghana will not borrow simply because financing is available – Dr Ato Forson