Cost of building inflation for August 2026 increases to 4.6% – GSS

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) reported on August 2026 that the Combined Prime Building Cost Index (PBCI) experienced a year-on-year increase of 4.6 percent. This index measures the fluctuation in the costs associated with constructing buildings, taking into account factors such as building materials, labor, and equipment.

The PBCI, which uses 2023 as its base year, is crucial for stakeholders like investors, developers, contractors, and policymakers. It aids in contract negotiations, bid adjustments, budgeting, and monitoring inflation trends within the building sector.

For August 2026, the PBCI rose from 4.0 percent in July 2026. The Labour group showed a decrease in inflation rate to -2.9 percent, compared to -3.2 percent in the previous month. Meanwhile, the Material group saw an increase to 5.8 percent from 5.1 percent in July 2026.

The Plant group, however, had a notable decline, with its inflation rate dropping from 18.0 percent to 17.9 percent in August 2026. The highest year-on-year inflation rate within sub-groups was recorded in Plumbing at 26.1 percent, while Steel had the lowest at -8.9 percent. Notably, 14 out of the 23 sub-groups reported an inflation rate above the national average.