GANTA, Nimba County — A 38-year-old man has been arrested and charged with rape after a 33-year-old woman was hospitalized following an alleged sexual encounter during which she reportedly lost consciousness. The Liberia National Police (LNP) in Ganta charged suspect Edwin Mewah on Friday, July 31, 2026, following a preliminary investigation into the incident reported in Ganta City.
According to police reports, the alleged survivor was preparing to travel to Monrovia and waiting on a commercial bus at the Ganta-Monrovia parking area after paying her fare when Mewah, identified as her former boyfriend, approached her. Police allege that Mewah offered the woman a bottle containing a substance presented as a soft drink. Shortly after consuming it, she reportedly became unconscious and lost awareness of her surroundings.
Investigators further allege that Mewah then took her to a motel near the Total Gas Station in the parking area vicinity, where she remained with him for several hours.
The woman later regained consciousness and reported that she had been sexually assaulted. She was subsequently taken to the United Methodist Hospital in Ganta for medical attention.
During the preliminary investigation, the survivor told police she was sitting on the bus awaiting departure when Mewah approached her with the bottle. She stated that after drinking the substance, she lost consciousness and later woke up in an unfamiliar location.
Police allege that she was sexually assaulted while unable to comprehend or control her surroundings. Authorities have not publicly established the exact nature of the substance allegedly administered, and the allegations remain subject to further investigation and judicial determination.
Mewah has denied drugging or deliberately rendering the woman unconscious.
During questioning, he reportedly told police that the woman was his former girlfriend and that they had not been in contact for approximately six months before unexpectedly meeting at the parking area.
According to Mewah’s account, the woman allegedly asked him to accompany her to his residence to rest. He reportedly explained that because he lives on his farm in Sipi Village, outside Ganta City, he instead rented a room at a nearby motel. Mewah admitted that the two engaged in sexual intercourse but maintained that it was consensual. He reportedly paid L$300 for the motel room.
He also denied giving the woman any incapacitating substance, telling investigators he consumed only a small quantity of an alcoholic beverage identified as “My Choice.” He further denied using “Brown Top” or “Mai Sasanci,” a traditionally formulated herbal mixture. The alleged victim, however, accused him of using a substance she believed was intended to enhance sexual performance.
About the Substance Allegation
“Brown Top,” also known in some communities as “Mai Sasanci,” is a traditional herbal liquid reportedly consumed by some men for sexual performance enhancement, including claims of improving erection strength and prolonging sexual activity.
However, the presence, identity, or effect of any such substance in this case has not been independently established. Police investigation and any subsequent medical or forensic examination are expected to clarify whether a substance was administered and what effect it may have had.
Following its investigation, the Liberia National Police charged Mewah with rape and forwarded the case to court for prosecution. He has been remanded at the Sanniquellie Central Prison pending further proceedings.
The case is expected to be heard before the Sexual Offenses Division Court of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, Nimba County. The allegations against Mewah have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Court proceedings will determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, including whether the encounter was consensual, whether the victim was incapacitated, and whether any substance was administered. Authorities have been urged to ensure that the alleged survivor receives appropriate medical, psychosocial, and legal support throughout the judicial process.
