The Parliamentary Service Board says it is awaiting comments from the former Speaker of Parliament, Ebenezer Sakyi-Huges on furnishings he took from his official residence before it pronounces on the matter. Majority Leader, Alban Bagbin told Joy News a sub-committee set up by the board to take inventory of the items is yet to receive a response from Mr Sakyi-Hughes on the matter. He said the committee is likely to produce its report within seven days but the document must include the full response of the former speaker, stressing that a decision could be taken only after the former speaker has submitted his response. The Mr Sakyi-Hughes is said to have taken some items from his official residence when he was packing out at the end of his tenure. The speaker’s move torched off uproars in several political circles with accusations that he had unlawfully taken state assets. Mr Bagbin hinted that the committee “attaches high premium” to the issue and would treat it with the importance it deserves. The former speaker’s issue comes amid complaints by the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the ruling government is deliberately persecuting members of the opposition and others considered politically incorrect. The Minority in Parliament on Tuesday held a press conference at which it chided President John Mills for “presiding over a state-sponsored gangsterism and criminality,” especially against the backdrop of what they said has been the government’s persistent seizure of vehicles of ex-officials. Government has already given former state officials an ultimatum to return all state vehicles in their custody. Deputy Information Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa at a press conference on Wednesday threatened tough action against a tall list of ex-officials who fail to bring back cars they allegedly purchased from the state at giveaway prices. He claimed the vehicles sold to the ex-officials had been under-valued by whoever valued them and under the watch of the previous administration. Story by Fiifi Koomson/Myjoyonline.com