Builders and households planning to put up homes may finally have a little breathing space as construction cost pressures continue to cool in Ghana.
New figures released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) show that building inflation remained relatively low at 2.2 percent in April 2026, the same rate recorded in March.
The data means the overall cost of construction materials increased only slightly compared to the same period last year.
The report also revealed that some key materials, especially cement and steel, recorded price declines over the past year, offering relief to developers and individual home builders struggling with high construction costs.
Cement prices dropped by 11.2 percent year-on-year, making it the item with the lowest inflation in the construction basket.
For many Ghanaians who have paused building projects because of rising costs over the last two years, the latest figures could signal a gradual return of confidence in the sector.
Despite the easing annual inflation, prices still rose by 1.5 percent between March and April this year, showing that some pressure remains in the market.
The GSS explained that while cement and steel became cheaper, other materials such as glazing, plumbing materials and roofing sheets recorded sharp increases and continued to drive building costs upward.
Glazing recorded the highest inflation rate at 16.2 percent, followed by plumbing materials at 14.5 percent and roofing sheets at 13 per cent.
Electrical works also remained one of the biggest contributors to construction inflation.
According to the Statistical Service, labour inflation also slowed to 1 percent in April from 1.6 percent in March, suggesting wage pressures in the construction industry are beginning to moderate.
The Prime Building Cost Index tracks changes in the cost of building materials, labour and equipment across the country. The updated index now monitors 406 construction-related items collected from 16 regions and 489 outlets nationwide.
Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, who presented the report, said the data is intended to help developers, contractors, investors and households better plan construction projects and manage budgets.
The GSS advised households planning to build to buy relatively cheaper materials such as cement and steel early while carefully budgeting for fast-rising items like plumbing supplies, glazing products and roofing sheets.
Businesses and contractors were also encouraged to lock in supplier prices and regularly update project budgets to avoid sudden cost shocks.
