Even though overall building inflation in Ghana is slowing down, some construction materials are still becoming painfully expensive, and they are quietly driving up the cost of housing projects across the country.
New data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) shows that electrical works, glazing, plumbing materials and metalwork were the biggest drivers behind construction inflation in April 2026.
The report revealed that electrical works alone contributed more than half of the overall building inflation recorded during the period, making it the single biggest pressure point for developers and households putting up homes or commercial buildings.
Glazing materials such as glass products recorded the highest inflation rate of 16.2 percent, while plumbing materials followed closely with 14.5 percent inflation. Roofing sheets also saw prices jump by 13 percent.
For many contractors, these increases are becoming difficult to ignore because they affect finishing costs, the stage where many home builders already struggle financially.
The Ghana Statistical Service said the country’s overall building inflation remained at 2.2 percent in April 2026, unchanged from March.
However, behind the stable national figure are major price swings in specific construction categories.
Metalwork, reinforcement materials and small construction tools also recorded notable increases, adding further pressure to ongoing projects.
Interestingly, some major building materials became cheaper during the same period. Cement prices dropped by 11.2 percent while steel prices also declined by 3.6 percent year-on-year.
This mixed trend means that while the foundation stage of building may now cost less, finishing a property is becoming more expensive due to rising costs in fittings, electricals and interior materials.
The GSS noted that materials inflation rose slightly to 2.4 percent in April from 2.3 percent in March, while labour inflation slowed to 1 percent.
The Statistical Service advised contractors and developers to closely monitor fast-rising materials and regularly review project budgets to avoid financial overruns.
The Prime Building Cost Index, which tracks prices of construction materials, labour and equipment, is compiled using data from 406 items collected across 16 regions and 489 outlets nationwide.
