A growing debate over the herbal sexual enhancement drink commonly known as ‘Brown Tap’ has sparked mixed reactions across Liberia, with lawmakers, medical professionals, activists and members of the public divided over whether the product should be banned or regulated.
The discussion intensified after Montserrado County District #8 Representative Prince A. Toles said he would support any petition concerning the product.
“If there’s a petition for Brown Tap, I will gladly receive it. We must rescue our men from the frontline,” the lawmaker wrote on social media.
His remarks came after reports from Nimba County that a 38-year-old woman is receiving medical treatment following an alleged prolonged sexual encounter with her partner. Social media users claimed Brown Tap had been used before the incident, but authorities have not confirmed any connection between the product and the case.
The incident has prompted renewed public scrutiny of sexual enhancement products being sold in Liberia.
What is Brown Tap?
Verity News found that Brown Tap, also known as Mai Sasanci, is a herbal drink manufactured in Nigeria by Bifli Group. It is marketed as a product that improves male sexual performance by helping with weak erections, increasing libido, boosting sperm count and prolonging sexual activity.
According to the manufacturer, the drink is made from Ficus carica (fig), Detarium senegalense, honey and water.
Brown Tap is sold through online platforms, including Jumia, Jiji and eBay, and has become increasingly popular in Liberia.
However, there is no widely available independent scientific evidence confirming all of the health claims made by the manufacturer.
Calls for Government Action
The debate gained further attention after Liberian environmentalist Innis called on the government to ban Brown Tap, citing concerns about its possible health effects.
Others believe the government should investigate the product and determine whether it meets safety standards before taking any action.
Public Opinion Divided
The issue has generated hundreds of comments on social media, with many Liberians defending the product and arguing that individuals-not the drink-should be held responsible for their actions.
Samuel K. Mataldi questioned why Brown Tap should be singled out.
“If Brown Tap should be banned, then the same thing should happen to vibrators. Balance the argument,” he said.
Mrr Bedell compared Brown Tap to emergency contraceptive pills.
“For every action from Lydia backup pills, there must be an equal opposite reaction from Brown Tap,” he noted.
Jagbeah Jallah said many men have benefited from the product.
“Every man is benefiting from our almighty Brown Tap,” he asserted.
Jonathan T.H. Ross II joked that he planned to buy a carton before any possible ban.
“Let me go buy one carton of Brown Tap before lawmakers ban a good thing,” Ross noted.
Layee VS Fofana questioned the criticism directed at the product.
“Why does the world hate seeing men happy? I don’t see any good reason for banning Brown Tap,” Fofana said.
Lassana Vee Kelleh said Representative Toles’ statement was open to different interpretations and warned that any move to ban the product would face resistance.
“If his statement is against Brown Tap, we will oppose it through every legal means available. Our feelings matter too,” he noted.
Another commenter, Civilized Mano Boy, argued that if women have access to contraceptive products, men should also be free to purchase products marketed to them.
Activist Calls for Evidence-Based Decision
Political activist Sylvester Tevez Nah condemned the alleged assault in Nimba County but said responsibility should remain with the individual accused of committing the crime, not the product.
He argued that if Brown Tap is found to contain unsafe ingredients, the government should regulate or remove it from the market. However, he cautioned against banning it without scientific evidence.
“ The person who commits sexual assault must be held accountable. If the product is unsafe, let the evidence guide the government’s decision,” Nah said.
Doctor Warns of Health Risks
Medical doctor Diafei Frank Giddings also entered the debate, warning Liberian men about the dangers of using unregulated sexual enhancement products.
Dr. Giddings said hospitals continue to receive patients suffering from priapism, a prolonged erection that can permanently damage the penis if treatment is delayed.
He explained that some men seek medical attention only after several days, when the damage may already be irreversible.
“Before using any unregulated sexual enhancer, ask yourself whether a few minutes of pleasure are worth risking your sexual health for the rest of your life,” he cautioned.
Debate Far From Over
As the conversation continues, many Liberians are calling for the government to investigate Brown Tap and determine whether it meets national health and safety standards.
While some support an outright ban, others argue that any decision should be based on scientific evidence and proper regulation rather than public pressure.
Meanwhile, health experts continue to urge caution over the use of unregulated sexual enhancement products.
