Homeowners in Ghana may spend between GHS 13,000 and GHS 35,000 to drill and install a functional domestic borehole in 2026. The cost includes drilling, pump installation, and other expenses.
Additional costs may arise from purchasing a water storage tank, installing pipelines, and testing water quality.
The Water Resources Commission requires homeowners to register boreholes and engage licensed drilling contractors. A hydrogeological survey is also necessary to assess the possibility of finding groundwater. The survey helps identify suitable drilling locations and reduces the risk of spending money on a borehole that produces insufficient water.
Ghanaian property cost estimates published in 2026 show that borehole drilling generally costs between GHS 8,000 and GHS 20,000, depending on the depth and geological conditions. Installing a suitable pumping system could add another GHS 5,000 to GHS 15,000. The amount may increase in areas where contractors encounter hard rock formations or must drill deeper to reach a reliable underground water source.
According to the Water Resources Commission, registration of domestic water-use activities that do not require a water-use permit is free. Homeowners must also consider the quality of underground water, as some boreholes may produce water containing excessive minerals, salts, or other contaminants, making laboratory testing necessary before drinking or cooking.
Blessed Antwi, Editorial Assistant at Yen.com.gh, notes that homeowners should obtain detailed quotations, confirm the contractor's licence, and establish whether the price includes drilling, casing, pumping equipment, testing, and water storage before committing funds.
The cost of drilling a borehole in Ghana is significant, and homeowners should carefully consider their options before making a decision. The Ghanaian government has implemented regulations to ensure that borehole drilling is done safely and sustainably.