The Vice Consul at the U.S Embassy in Accra, Chris Santoro says the postponement of the 2012 DV Visa Lottery had been necessitated by the detection of an anomaly with the draw computer. According to him, though the State Department has postponed the lottery for another draw period which begins in September/October this year, those who initially applied do not need to reapply. He said such people can check online with their initial confirmation code on July 15. Mr. Santoro however said ignorance of the processes involved in the DV Visa Lottery has resulted in people manipulating some applicants to pay huge sums of money under the pretext of assisting them to secure the visas. Mr. Santoro, who expressed worry about such people warned the public against making any form of financial commitment to any person for a DV visa, adding that the state department does not require any payment for the DV visa except the visa application fee which is paid at the Embassy on the day of the interview. The U.S. Embassy is working with other stake holders to identify and bring to book fraudsters who are undermining the DV lottery; emphasizing the need to protect the applicants at all times. The Vice Consul denied assertions that the DV Visa lottery is an attempt by the American government to drain the African continent of its best brains, explaining that it rather affords qualified and skilled Africans the opportunity to experience other cultures and will eventually help their countries of origin. He said the U.S government is determined to improve the diversity of the American society by allowing people from other countries to live in the country. Mr. Santoro listed the requirement for the DV Visa Lottery to include a WAEC Senior High School result with 5 passes including English and Mathematics, a first degree, Higher National Diploma (HND). He advised those with Middle school certificates against applying unless they write the WAEC exams. Touching on the allegation that the State Department database had been hacked giving other people access to applicants’ details, Mr. Chris Santoro assured that that was not the case. Asked about the recent changes in the general visa applications, Mr. Santoro emphasized the need for applicants to be honest and clear in information they provide to the embassy. He advised people who wish to acquire visas to provide tangible reasons for travelling to the United States as well as a commitment to return to Ghana. Additional requirements include family ties, property or a good job the applicant intends to return to. The U.S embassy has reminded applicants for the 2012 DV visa lottery to visit the state web site on www.dvlottery.state.gov to verify the state of their applications. Story by Afia Pokuaa/Adom FM/Ghana