diff --git a/ghc-HTTP.spec b/ghc-HTTP.spec
index fda74a4..b431b85 100644
--- a/ghc-HTTP.spec
+++ b/ghc-HTTP.spec
@@ -6,6 +6,11 @@
 # ghc does not emit debug information
 %global debug_package %{nil}
 
+%ifarch ppc
+# hack around mysterious runghc fail
+%global cabal ./cabal
+%endif
+
 Name:           ghc-%{pkg_name}
 Version:        4000.0.6
 Release:        1%{?dist}
@@ -76,6 +81,9 @@ built for ghc-%{ghc_version}.
 
 
 %build
+%ifarch ppc
+ghc --make Setup -o cabal
+%endif
 %cabal_configure --ghc %{?with_prof:-p}
 %cabal build
 %if %{with doc}
@@ -137,9 +145,10 @@ fi
 
 
 %changelog
-* Fri Apr 24 2009 Jens Petersen <petersen@redhat.com> - 4000.0.6-1
+* Sat Apr 25 2009 Jens Petersen <petersen@redhat.com> - 4000.0.6-1
 - update to 4000.0.6
 - sync with cabal2spec-0.14
+- compile Setup on ppc to workaround runghc failure
 
 * Fri Feb 27 2009 Jens Petersen <petersen@redhat.com> - 4000.0.4-3
 - update url