Building inflation increases to 5.1% in September 2026, but cement inflation stood at -6.1%

In September 2026, the year-on-year inflation rate for Prime Building Cost Index (PBCI) rose to 5.1%, a slight increase from 4.6% in August 2026. Despite this rise, building inflation remained comparatively low, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. The primary driver of the September inflation was the 19.1% increase in plant and equipment costs.

At the group level, the Labour group inflation rate decreased to -3.2% in September 2026 from -2.9% in August 2026. The Material group saw a year-on-year inflation rate of 6.5% in September 2026, up from 5.8% in August 2026. Meanwhile, the Plant group recorded a notable 19.1% increase in inflation, up from 17.9% in August 2026.

Sub-group-wise, Reinforcement showed the highest year-on-year inflation rate of 29.0%, while Steel experienced the lowest at -8.8%. Fourteen sub-groups out of the 23 reported inflation rates above the national average of 5.1%. Over the year, the inflation rate had nearly halved but increased since March 2026.

For households, the cost of structural inputs had decreased compared to a year ago, with cement inflation at -6.1% and steel at -8.8%. However, finishing and installation inputs cost more, with plumbing up by 27.5%, glazing by 20.6%, and tiles by 9.2%. As a result, overall building costs were 5.1% higher in September 2026 compared to September 2025.