A sharp decline in cement prices has helped slow Ghana’s building cost inflation to 2.2% in April 2026, according to the latest Prime Building Cost Index (PBCI) released by the Ghana Statistical Service.
The report showed that cement recorded the biggest price reduction among all construction sub-groups, posting a year-on-year inflation rate of negative 11.2%.
“At the sub-group level, Glazing recorded the highest year-on-year inflation rate of 16.2 percent while the sub-group Cement recorded the lowest year-on-year inflation rate of -11.2 percent,” the GSS stated.
The decline in cement prices contributed significantly to easing overall construction cost pressures across the country. According to the report, the PBCI inflation rate dropped sharply from 24.4% in April 2025 to just 2.2% in April 2026.
The Prime Building Cost Index tracks changes in the prices of major construction inputs, including building materials, labour, and equipment, over time.
While cement prices declined considerably, some sectors within the construction industry continued to experience rising costs.
The report identified Glazing as the fastest-growing sub-group, recording an inflation rate of 16.2%, an indication that imported finishing materials and specialised construction inputs remain expensive.
The GSS further noted that inflation trends across the sector were uneven.
“Twelve sub-groups out of the 23 sub-groups recorded an inflation rate above the national average of 2.2 percent,” the report explained.
At the broader category level, Plant recorded the highest inflation rate at 4.7%, followed by Materials at 2.4%, while Labour recorded the lowest increase at 1.0%.
Industry experts and contractors closely monitor the PBCI because it serves as an important benchmark for project budgeting, contract negotiations, pricing adjustments, and inflation monitoring within the construction sector.
According to the GSS, the index supports investors, developers, contractors, and policymakers in making informed decisions regarding construction costs and infrastructure planning.
