Accra consulate is out of control!!!!

[Hebronzy 0]

The major reason for this huge backlogged is the multiple interview conducted on different time for one case at the consulate. This doesn’t pave the way for other completed cases to be schedule for an interview because visa applicants are being asked to appear for an interview on several occasions. I totally don’t understand the rational behind this bizarre policy at the consulate. Honestly, most of the issues that triggered this “million time interview” can be resolve at the initial interview. I believe is time for us to step-up and question this kind of policy. The consulate doesn’t feel the pain we are going through so is time for us to raise the awareness to the appropraite authorities. It's soo frustrating and devastating to deal with the consulate. I called the consulate last week and some ananymous person hang-up the phone on me. They are totally swamp and if we don't do anything about this we waiting for years for an appointment.

[Mr. K 8]

What's this deal about multiple interviews? Is this something they do with most interviewees?

[lori7734 6]

What's this deal about multiple interviews? Is this something they do with most interviewees?

They dont care about our feelings

[Evans and Flor 2]

Im guessing that they rather delay the issuing of visas. This dont make any sense for all the multiple interviews. Its a waste of money and time. Thats why I want to be there for my fiance's interview. That way there is no reason or excuse if something is missing or needed. Good luck to all and God bless Ghana.

[JustUs 3]

I am looking for people interested in finding as many filers as possible going through this process at the embassy in Ghana. My idea is to create a facebook page to get the campaign going.

I would like to get this going and my thought is to prepare a campaign that would include sending a well documented complaint to Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State. She is at the top of the DOS. I just need some help thinking through the format for the fb page. I am not trying to recreate vj - don't want to answer any questions about the visa process. The page should be focused on finding people who are currently impacted by the delay in the interview process in Ghana or have in the past been impact by these delays. I want to approach this issue from an objective business perspective including a well thought out documentation of the emotional and financial impact on both the US citizen and the Ghanaian citizen.

The focus would be to simply raise the awareness not to give the solution. My hope is that with the proper awareness raised - the people who can make a difference will figure out the solution if they think the cause is worthwhile. If it works, we might not even be the ones who will benefit from our efforts - but, we may have made a difference. If this isn't worth fighting for, what is? I have been in this visa process for 2 years (my husband was one of those unnecessary multiple interview folks last year). Based on how things are going now, he won't be here with me until 2012 - that is 4 years in this nightmare. I am tired, I am emotionally drained, my cash is low. The thing that is strong in my life is my relationship with my husband - I am fortunate that my relationship is not at risk. Others have not been as fortunate.

Can I please get some volunteers on this one - I have some ideas on how to get started, but, I am not an expert. This is important to us and I want to make sure we do it right. Please don't be afraid of how this might impact your process. I think it could only help. We are Americans - we take risks - we make things happen! Help us please - or give up a better idea.

[Mr. K 8]

That's a good move by Evans and Flor... to be there for the interview in case some stuff comes up. It would be nice to know for what reasons the consulate conducts multiple interviews. Now I am thinking about being there for my fiancee and I want to know how to prepare.

[ghanagal 2]

Justus, what are you calling the face book page? I would like to join 

How about we call it the US Embassy in Ghana ruined my life!

[JustUs 3]

Ghanagal - you are hilarious! Haven't given much thought to a name - open for discussions and ideas. I spoke with my husband this morning about the idea and he is so on board. I think that makes 4 of us - you, me, Hebronzy, and I think my girl Midge.mij will want to be involved. I will see you each a personal email later today. When we get this going, we can post our efforts on vj. Any more volunteers? Or any ideas for the volunteers?

[Hebronzy 0]

Ghanagal - you are hilarious! Haven't given much thought to a name - open for discussions and ideas. I spoke with my husband this morning about the idea and he is so on board. I think that makes 4 of us - you, me, Hebronzy, and I think my girl Midge.mij will want to be involved. I will see you each a personal email later today. When we get this going, we can post our efforts on vj. Any more volunteers? Or any ideas for the volunteers?

I contacted my 2 US senators in my state office and I've placed a call to DOS. All these authorities doesn't see anything wrong with the consulate.It seems the DOS has empowered the consulate to operate the way they see fit and they don't want to meddle in their affairs. In view of this, how are we going to approach this if the authorities themselve support this policy at the consulate? - open for discussion and ideas..

[JustUs 3]

I don't if our efforts will be effective. However, we atleast need to see if there are enough people either currently in the process or have been in the process who would be willing to contribute to a focused writing campaign that we direct to the top of the DOS - Hillary Clinton. I think numbers are the key to getting any politicians attention. Doesn't hurt to try. We are already living in the land of no - so we already know how it feels. Maybe we will get lucky and be able to move into the laid of Yes We Can make a difference. There is no guarantee or promise that we will be able to get the campaign off the ground or any action if we do get it off the ground. At minimum, I will know that I have done all I could do to raise the awareness of this issue. Like I said earlier, maybe the issue is a lack of staff at the embassy in Ghana - maybe our efforts could help to change that. Lots of maybes which means possibilities.

[lori7734 6]

Ghanagal - you are hilarious! Haven't given much thought to a name - open for discussions and ideas. I spoke with my husband this morning about the idea and he is so on board. I think that makes 4 of us - you, me, Hebronzy, and I think my girl Midge.mij will want to be involved. I will see you each a personal email later today. When we get this going, we can post our efforts on vj. Any more volunteers? Or any ideas for the volunteers?

im on board

[midge and isi 8]

I have contacted my 2 senators as well. But there has to be more that we can do. Im in for what ever needs to be done. Once I get my date I will be sending more to my senators- not that it seems they can do anything!

[Hebronzy 0]

Guys, count me in the compaigne!! I think we need to have common front in this fight..

[Matana74 0]

How can a cry be heard if it is a single voice...but if we put a few voices together then they will have to take notice. The key to emailing letters to those high in authority is to fill up the email box...every person on post doing their part.

You can count me in as well.

So let me know what you want me to do or contribute...even though I have my date and I will be in Ghana for my husband's interview most of the forms we will have to pay for all over again. I will be at the embassy to sign anything new. I already reprinted our final copy of our completed case to match new updated forms...new tax information a new letter from my employer...I mean there should not be a reason for my husband to come back. He had 40 pounds of chats (not counting March-October 2010 which I will take with me); 15 pounds of emails; phone records; etc. Our goal is no second interview. I know some have gone for 3 interviews.

Our country's always prided itself in helping and providing for its citizens...where is the help we are not asking for anything out of the ordinary or special favors...we are simply standing in line waiting for our turn and the line hasn't moved in months and for some, years.

I just want to help the next group by opening this door.

Just let me know

~Matana74

[JustUs 3]

Looks like we have a team!

I will send a detailed to everyone on the team before the night is over.