Building costs rise 4.6% in August 2026 – GSS
New GSS data shows construction costs for buildings jumped 4.6% year‑on‑year in August 2026, driven by higher cement and steel prices.
The Ghana Statistical Service has released figures for August 2026 showing that the Combined Prime Building Cost Index (PBCI) climbed 4.6 percent compared with the same month last year. The PBCI monitors the price movements of the main items that go into building a house, such as cement, steel bars, roofing sheets and labour rates. According to the agency, the rise is linked to a global uptick in cement and steel prices and a modest increase in the cost of sand and labour across the country.
For ordinary Ghanaians who are planning to build or renovate, the jump means that project budgets are likely to be tighter than expected. Many households rely on contractors who base their quotes on these indices, so the new numbers will push up the fees for new houses, extensions and even small repairs. In recent years, rising building costs have already slowed down housing projects in Accra and Kumasi, with developers sometimes delaying work until financing can be secured.
The GSS will continue to publish monthly updates, giving builders, investors and homeowners a clearer picture of price trends. Stakeholders can use the data to negotiate contracts, adjust payment schedules and plan future construction timelines more responsibly.
