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

The year-on-year inflation rate of the Prime Building Cost Index (PBCI) was 5.1% in September 2026, up from 4.6% in August 2026. The monthly change rate for September 2026 was 0.03%. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, building inflation remains low, despite an increase in September 2026. The drivers of the September inflation were plant and equipment costs that went up 19.1% over the year. At the group level, the Labour group inflation rate recorded a year-on-year inflation rate of -3.2% in September 2026, down from -2.9% in August 2026. The Material group recorded a year-on-year inflation rate of 6.5% in September 2026, up from 5.8% in August 2026, while the Plant group recorded a year-on-year inflation rate of 19.1%, up from 17.9% in August 2026. At the sub-group level, Reinforcement recorded the highest year-on-year inflation rate of 29.0%, while the sub-group Steel recorded the lowest year-on-year inflation rate of -8.8%. Fourteen sub-groups out of the 23 sub-groups recorded inflation rates above the national average of 5.1%. The year-on-year inflation halved over the year but has risen since March 2026. What the September figures mean to households For households, structural inputs cost less than a year ago, as cement inflation stood at −6.1% and steel −8.8%. Finishing and installation inputs, however, cost more, with plumbing +27.5%, glazing +20.6%, and tiles +9.2%. The overall building costs are 5.1% higher than in September 2025.