Finishing materials drive up construction costs - Report

Ghana’s construction sector is facing renewed cost pressures as finishing materials continue to rise in price, with plumbing, roofing and electrical works among the items recording significant increases, according to the latest Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) report.

The data, released on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, by the GSS, indicates that several finishing components recorded significant year-on-year price increases in June 2026, putting additional pressure on developers and contractors completing building projects.

Plumbing works recorded the highest increase among finishing items, rising by 23.9 per cent over the period.

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Roofing sheets also saw prices jump by 21.4 per cent, while reinforcement materials increased by 18.1 per cent.

Electrical works, another critical stage in building completion, recorded a 17.4 per cent rise and emerged as the largest contributor to the increase in materials inflation, accounting for 57.0 per cent of the upward pressure recorded.

The rise in finishing costs comes despite overall construction inflation remaining relatively moderate at 3.1 per cent, showing that prices are changing differently across the construction sector.

The data also showed that costs associated with plant and equipment are becoming a growing concern for contractors.

Inflation for machinery-related items increased from 9.8 per cent in May to 16.0 per cent in June, driven by higher prices for small tools and equipment.

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Although plant and equipment represent a smaller share of overall construction costs, the GSS identified the category as an emerging risk due to its increasing impact on project expenses.

The latest trend suggests that developers may be getting some relief in certain areas of construction, but the final stages of projects are becoming increasingly expensive as finishing materials continue to rise.

DR/MA