© Belinda Afriyie Nimako et al. The private health sector is a major service provider group within the health systems of most sub-Saharan African countries. Currently, 90% of COVID-19 cases in Ghana are in urban areas where private health facilities play a major role in service delivery. Yet, there is limited understanding of the issues mediating private health sector participation in public health emergency responses. Challenges related to its involvement in Ghana´s COVID-19 response include lack of clarity on its role, sub-optimal communication channels, inadequate personal protective equipment and fragmentation of the sector. Hence, operational and regulatory actions addressing these challenges will ensure the private sector is fully prepared to contribute to the COVID-19 response and future public health emergencies, thereby strengthening Ghana’s health system.