Does financial innovation have an asymmetric effect on sustainability: insights from Ghana

This study investigates the symmetric and asymmetric relationship between financial innovation (FI) and sustainability in Ghana, incorporating foreign direct investment, economic growth, urbanisation, and regulatory quality as control variables. Using data from 1980 to 2023 sourced from the World Bank, ALFRED/IMF, and the Global Footprint Network, the analysis reveals nuanced effects of FI on sustainability. Symmetric results indicate that FI fosters long-term sustainability but exhibits largely negative short-term effects, particularly regarding Ghana’s biocapacity position. The short-term impact on genuine wealth (GW) is significant but inconclusive. Asymmetric analysis highlights strong short-term effects but no long-term asymmetries. Positive FI shocks improve GW and the biocapacity position, enhancing sustainability, while negative shocks exert a weak but significant adverse impact on Ghana’s biocapacity. This suggests that unregulated FI increases could harm sustainability without mitigation measures. The study emphasises the importance of aligning FI with green initiatives. The Bank of Ghana’s adoption of sustainable banking principles is applauded, and further efforts are encouraged. The government should strengthen support for renewable energy projects through incentives to attract private investments, ensuring the digitalisation agenda advances sustainably. Promoting renewable energy and inclusive technology adoption can simultaneously reduce emissions and enhance sustainability in Ghana.