Construction worker daily rates in Ghana — 2026
| Trade / Role | Daily Rate (GHS) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unskilled labourer | GHS 80–140/day | Materials handling, mixing, cleaning |
| Semi-skilled — block layer assistant | GHS 120–180/day | Block lifting, mortar mixing for mason |
| Skilled mason (block layer) | GHS 180–280/day | Block work, plastering, rendering |
| Skilled carpenter (site) | GHS 200–320/day | Formwork, roof structure, joinery |
| Plumber | GHS 220–380/day | Rough-in and second fix |
| Electrician | GHS 250–400/day | Conduit, wiring, consumer unit |
| Tiler | GHS 180–300/day | Floor and wall tiling |
| Painter | GHS 140–240/day | Interior and exterior painting |
| Site foreman | GHS 300–500/day | Site supervision, coordination |
| Site manager / project manager | GHS 500–1,200/day | Full programme and quality management |
Rate benchmarks change quarterly. The rates above are Q2 2026 Greater Accra rates. Rates in secondary cities (Kumasi, Takoradi) run 10–20% lower. Specialised trades (electrician, plumber) command premium rates due to limited supply of licensed practitioners.
How construction labour is structured in Ghana
Most construction workers in Ghana are not formally employed — they work on daily rates (sometimes called "daily casual" or simply day rates). A typical site operates with:
- Direct labour — workers hired daily by the contractor, paid at the end of each day or weekly
- Gang labour — a group of workers led by a gang leader (often the mason or foreman) who negotiates a rate on behalf of the group
- Piece work — payment per unit of work completed (e.g. per block laid, per m² tiled) — common for tiling and plastering
- Subcontract — a specialist trade contractor takes on a defined scope at a fixed price — common for electrical, plumbing, and roofing
Direct hire vs licensed contractor — which is right for you?
| Factor | Direct labour hire | Licensed general contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower headline cost | Includes margin (12–18%) — full accountability in return |
| Management burden | You manage all trades, procurement, disputes | Contractor manages everything under one contract |
| Quality accountability | Difficult to enforce — no contract with each worker | Single point of accountability — written warranty |
| Suitable for | Experienced self-builders, small specific jobs | Full builds, busy professionals, diaspora clients |
See also: General contractor Accra → | Build a house in Ghana guide →