Ghana’s building inflation rose to 2.7 percent in May 2026, up from 2.2 percent in April, though remaining significantly lower than the 22.0 percent recorded in the same period last year, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
The figures were disclosed in the May 2026 Prime Building Cost Index (PBCI) and Inflation report, with Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu noting that while annual inflation remains low, recent monthly trends signal that cost pressures are gradually re-emerging in the construction sector.
The data indicated that the price of building inputs increased by 1.4 percent during April and May 2026, extending a series of rising prices for a fifth straight month.
Electrical works was by far the biggest contributor to the 63.1 percent cost push in total building inflation for May 2026, having done so alone.
Metalwork was next at 34.8 percent and plumbing at 29.2 percent of building inflation, while glazing was at 35.6 percent.
The report showed there was a difference between prices of various groups of building materials.
Pressure on finishing materials continued with plumbing up 22.8 percent and roofing sheets up 19.9 percent year-on-year.
The price of steel, however, was down 8.1 percent on year, while that of cement was down 14.5 percent on year.
Dr Iddrisu, therefore, emphasized that at 2.7 per cent, building inflation is still low and that the current situation is conducive and cannot be missed.
He advised the Government to expedite infrastructure development projects under the Big Push initiative now while the cost conditions are favourable, and urged companies to ensure contracts and secure supply before the costs once again increase.
“It is time for households to begin or continue building, beginning with structure – the window is open, use it,” he said.
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